Complete Fire Damage Guide
Expert Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Information for Australia
Emergency Response Steps
Call Emergency Services
Ensure fire is completely extinguished
ImmediateSafety Assessment
Do not enter until cleared by fire department
Before entrySecure Property
Board up openings, fence off dangerous areas
Within 24 hoursDocument Everything
Photos, videos, inventory before cleanup
Before any changesContact Insurance
Report claim immediately, get claim number
Within 24-48 hoursVentilation
Professional smoke extraction required
Within 48-72 hoursWater Extraction
Remove firefighting water to prevent mould
Within 24-48 hoursProfessional Assessment
Structural engineer and restoration expert evaluation
Within 48-72 hoursTypes of Fire Damage
Structural Fire Damage
Direct flame damage to building materials
Key Indicators:
- Charred wood and materials
- Weakened structural supports
- Melted metals and plastics
- Compromised load-bearing walls
- Foundation damage from extreme heat
Understanding Smoke Damage Types
Wet Smoke
Source: Low-heat, smoldering fires
Characteristics: Sticky, smeary, strong odor
Cleaning Difficulty:Very High
Dry Smoke
Source: High-temperature, fast-burning fires
Characteristics: Dry, powdery residue
Cleaning Difficulty:Medium
Protein Smoke
Source: Kitchen fires, organic materials
Characteristics: Nearly invisible, strong odor
Cleaning Difficulty:High
Fuel/Oil Smoke
Source: Petroleum products, furnace puff-backs
Characteristics: Sticky, difficult to clean
Cleaning Difficulty:Very High
Restoration Timeline & Phases
Emergency Response
0-48 hoursDamage Assessment
2-7 daysMitigation
1-2 weeksRestoration
2-8 weeksReconstruction
1-6 monthsInsurance Coverage Overview
Important: This is general information only. Always review your specific policy and consult with your insurance provider for accurate coverage details.
| Coverage Item | Typically | Notes | Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling/Building | Covered | Structure repairs and rebuilding | Policy limits and replacement cost |
| Personal Property | Covered | Contents and belongings | Sub-limits for valuables |
| Additional Living Expenses | Covered | Temporary accommodation | Time and dollar limits |
| Smoke Damage | Covered | Cleaning and deodorization | May require specific mention |
| Water Damage (firefighting) | Covered | Secondary damage from suppression | Different from flood coverage |
| Debris Removal | Limited Coverage | Usually percentage of claim | May need additional coverage |
| Trees/Landscaping | Limited Coverage | Often capped amount | Low limits, per-item caps |
| Code Upgrades | Variable | Bringing building to current code | May require ordinance coverage |
Property-Specific Considerations
Residential
- • Family safety first priority
- • Temporary accommodation needs
- • Personal belongings salvage
- • Emotional support considerations
- • Pet safety and care
Commercial
- • Business continuity planning
- • Revenue loss mitigation
- • Employee communication
- • Customer notification
- • Inventory documentation
Industrial
- • Equipment damage assessment
- • Hazardous material handling
- • Production line restoration
- • Supply chain management
- • Regulatory compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
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