Fire Aftermath: The First 48 Hours for a DMV Homeowner

Hour 0–2: Stay out until cleared

Do not re-enter until the fire department clears the structure. Even after the fire is out, hot spots, weakened framing, and toxic air remain. When re-entry is allowed, ask the incident commander what areas are safe.

Hour 2–6: Secure and document

Board-up openings and tarp roof holes to prevent secondary damage and theft — most policies require this. Photograph every room and the exterior before anything is touched or moved.

Get the fire report number and contact information for the responding fire marshal. You will need both for the insurance claim.

Hour 6–24: File the claim and get a restoration company on-site

Call your insurance carrier and open the claim. Request approval for emergency mitigation and temporary housing (Additional Living Expense — ALE). Retain a full-service restoration company the same day; the mitigation clock starts the moment the fire is out.

Hour 24–48: Contents and stabilization

A pack-out crew inventories, photographs, and removes salvageable contents for off-site cleaning and storage. Items that cannot be salvaged are documented as total loss for the contents claim.

The mitigation crew stabilizes structure, removes debris, and begins soot cleaning. Delaying this step lets acidic soot etch glass, corrode metals, and set into finishes permanently.

What not to do

Do not turn on HVAC — it spreads soot through the whole building. Do not try to wipe soot off walls with dry cloths — you smear it into the paint. Do not use household cleaners on soot — they react and set it. Do not eat food that was in the affected area, even sealed food.