Fire and Smoke Restoration

Contractors in the Disaster Recovery Australia network hold current IICRC certification in fire and smoke restoration. Certification confirms that a contractor has the professional knowledge to assess, scope, and restore properties after fire and smoke damage — including smoke migration to areas beyond the fire location.

Fire damage is frequently underscoped because smoke and soot travel further than the visible burn area. What follows describes the full process a certified contractor applies.

A certified fire and smoke restoration contractor follows this sequence:

• Full property assessment — inspecting the entire property for fire, smoke, soot, and suppression residue damage, including areas with no visible fire damage
• Scope preparation — documenting what can be restored and what requires replacement, with clear evidence for each decision
• Structural cleaning — removing soot and residues from affected surfaces using methods appropriate to the material and residue type
• HVAC treatment — cleaning ductwork and air handling systems that may have distributed smoke contamination through the building
• Deodourisation — eliminating smoke odour from structural materials and contents using appropriate specialist techniques
• Clearance and documentation — confirming restoration targets are met and producing records for the insurance claim

A common problem with fire damage scopes is underestimating how far smoke migrates. Smoke travels through wall cavities, roof spaces, and HVAC ductwork — depositing residues and odour compounds in rooms that look unaffected. Porous materials throughout the building absorb odour compounds even when no visible soot is present. A certified contractor inspects the full property and tests apparently unaffected areas. An understated scope leads to persistent odour after work is declared complete, requiring a second round of treatment.

Before a fire and smoke restoration contractor starts work, ask:

• Can you show me your current IICRC certification number?
• Will you inspect the full property — including areas remote from the fire?
• Will you assess the HVAC system for smoke contamination?
• How will you address contents — assessment, restoration or replacement?
• What documentation will you provide for my insurer at each stage?

If an insurer-appointed contractor has produced a scope you believe understates the smoke damage, an independent certified contractor can assess the property and prepare a separate scope. Independent documentation provides the evidence base for disputing a claim through AFCA. Disaster Recovery Australia can arrange an independent assessment.