Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration

WHAT WE DO

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration in Omaha, Lincoln & Council Bluffs

The damage from a fire does not stop where the flames did. Smoke travels through ductwork and wall cavities into rooms the fire never reached. Soot settles on every surface, and because it is acidic, it can start to discolor plastics, grout, and metal finishes within days. On top of that, the water used to put the fire out soaks drywall, insulation, and flooring. A good fire restoration job deals with all three: the burned materials, the smoke and soot, and the water.

We handle fire and smoke damage for homes and businesses from South 22nd Street in Omaha and North 33rd Street in Lincoln. Call (402) 543-3701, 24/7.

The first 24 hours after a fire

• Wait for clearance. Do not go back inside until the Omaha Fire Department, Lincoln Fire & Rescue, or Council Bluffs Fire Department says the building is safe.
• Call your insurance company and ask about additional living expenses if you cannot stay in the home.
• Get help if you need it. The American Red Cross helps families with immediate needs like lodging and essentials after a home fire.
• Do not try to wipe soot off walls or upholstery. Household cleaners and rubbing usually smear soot deeper into the surface.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system until it has been checked. It can pull soot through the entire house.
• Secure the property. Broken windows, vent holes cut by firefighters, and damaged doors need to be boarded up.

How we restore fire and smoke damage

1. Board-up and roof tarping. We secure openings to keep out weather and intruders. This is part of our emergency mitigation service.

2. Water removal and drying. Water from firefighting is extracted and the structure is dried, so the fire is not followed by a mold problem.

3. Assessment and documentation. We identify what can be cleaned and what must be replaced, photograph everything, and prepare an itemized scope for your adjuster.

4. Soot and smoke cleaning. Different fires leave different residue. A kitchen grease fire leaves a sticky film, a fast paper or wood fire leaves dry powdery soot, and burning plastics leave heavy black residue. Each needs different cleaning methods, from dry sponges to specialized detergents.

5. Odor removal. Cleaning surfaces is not enough when smoke odor has gotten into framing, insulation, and ductwork. We remove charred materials, clean the HVAC system, and use deodorization methods such as thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators, or ozone treatment depending on the situation, then seal surfaces where needed before repainting.

6. Contents cleaning. Many belongings, including hard furniture, dishes, and clothing, can be cleaned and deodorized. Items that cannot be restored are photographed and listed for your claim.

7. Repairs. Drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets, and paint, so the home is livable again.

Common causes of fires we see

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires nationally, and most of the residential fire calls we see start in the kitchen. In Nebraska winters, space heaters, fireplaces, and chimneys add to the risk, and dryer lint buildup is a frequent cause of laundry room fires. Many of the older homes in established parts of Omaha and Lincoln also have outdated wiring that was never designed for today’s electrical loads. Even a small fire contained to one room can send smoke through the entire house.

Commercial fire damage

For restaurants, offices, and retail spaces, we can set up containment so unaffected areas can reopen sooner, and we work with your property manager and insurer on scheduling and documentation.

Fire damage and insurance

Fire and smoke damage is covered under most homeowners and commercial property policies. Smoke damage claims can be undervalued when only the visibly burned room is counted, so thorough documentation of soot and odor in other rooms, HVAC contamination, and damaged contents matters. Our insurance claims page explains how we work with adjusters.

Fire damage FAQs

Can smoke smell be removed completely?
In most cases, yes, but only by removing the source. That means cleaning or removing affected materials and the HVAC system, not just masking the odor with air fresheners.

Can I stay in my home during fire restoration?
It depends on the extent of the damage. For smoke damage throughout the house, temporary relocation is usually safer and is often covered by additional living expense coverage.

How long does fire restoration take?
Cleaning and odor removal for smoke-only damage can take a week or two. Fires with structural damage take longer because of rebuilding.

Dealing with fire or smoke damage? Call (402) 543-3701 anywhere in our service area.