Fire classifications based on fuel type:

• Class A: Ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics. They burn with an ember and leave an ash. Extinguish by cooling the fuel to a temperature that is below the ignition temp. Water and other extinguishing agents are effective.
• Class B: Flammable liquids (burn at room temperature) and combustible liquids (require heat to ignite). Petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases. High fire hazard; water may not extinguish. Extinguish by creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, such as layer of foam.
• Class C: Fuels that would be A or B except that they involve energized electrical equipment. Special techniques and agents required to extinguish, most commonly carbon dioxide or dry chemical agents. Use of water is very dangerous because water conducts electricity.
• Class D: Combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium. Most cars contain numerous such metals. Because of extremely high flame temperatures, water can break down into hydrogen and oxygen, enhancing burning or exploding. Extinguish with special powders based on sodium chloride or other salts; also clean dry sand.
• Class K: Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).

Extinguishment Materials

ABC Powder extinguishers are useful for class A, B, and C fires, since they do not use any electrically conductive chemicals. They can effectively break the chain reaction in a liquid or gas fire, something a water extinguisher cannot do. Cleanup is fairly manageable.

Dry chemical extinguishers, used on Class A and B fires, use monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate. Time is of the essence after this type of extinguisher is used because these powders can be corrosive to metals and can cause further damage if not cleaned up quickly. If it has not been done already, we will shut off your ventilation system and electrical power while cleaning up dry chemical residue. We will clean all the electrical contacts inside of all outlets in this process. Vacuuming or fan use should not be started until we determine the type of chemical used.

Bicarbonate based residue is less corrosive than dry chemical, and we will use vacuum equipment fitted with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers leave virtually no residue and evaporate fairly completely. Cleanup is relatively quick and safe. Some Class D extinguishers use a graphite-based powder, which can become sensitive to static charge and become combustible if it is stirred back into the air. This makes it dangerous to clean with a vacuum, and we use manually operated collection devices for this residue.

Smoke Damage

Fire damage to your home or business goes beyond burned areas. A small appliance fire in your basement can result in smoke damage that extends throughout your home or business. Similarly, if a fire breaks out in the condo below yours, your own space can suffer significant smoke damage.

Smoke and soot damage affects the insulation and wood structures inside of walls, floors, and ceilings. It cannot be painted over with “smoke killing” paint. The smell of the new paint can temporarily cover up the smoke smell, but it is not a correct restoration. Special methods are needed to eliminate smoke damage properly. We use trisodium phosphate when treating smoke damaged surfaces. The more porous the surface, the greater the likelihood it will need to be replaced. Certain soft goods such as drapery and linen can be professionally cleaned and restored to a smoke-free condition.

Non-Accidental Fires And Natural Disasters

Some fires are intentionally set, and some appear from natural disasters outside the home or business building. Their resulting damage can vary, depending on response time.

Smoke and soot can be toxic. The toxicity level depends on the materials that were burned. The two most common chemical byproducts of burned materials are carbon and tar, which are well-known health hazards. Smoke and soot also contain chemical irritants that can cause respiratory irritation or trigger asthma attacks.

Fire Damage Restoration Expense

On average, the cost of cleaning up residential fire and smoke damage will typically run between $3000 and $30,000, with a national average of about $13,000 for a full restoration. Your exact figure depends on factors such as the extent of the initial damage, water removal, chemical cleanup from extinguishers, soot removal, and extent of smoke damage. Mold remediation can be a major component of your fire damage restoration if more than 24 hours have elapsed since the fire crews dampened the surfaces. After being soaked with water, the increased humidity can cause your building’s wooden components to open their pores, which causes them to absorb more smoke and soot residue.

According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC):

Smoke and soot contain acids that cause plastics to be yellow, and highly porous materials such as marble will discolor permanently. This effect begins within minutes of exposure to smoke. These acid residues will stain bathroom and kitchen grout. Fiberglass fixtures and countertops begin to yellow, and uncoated metals begin to tarnish. Furniture finishes begin to discolor. This all starts within hours of initial exposure. After a few days, painted walls begin to yellow permanently, metal rusts and corrodes, wood furniture requires refinishing or replacing, and fabrics become permanently stained. Within a few weeks, restoration costs increase drastically. Hard surfaces are permanently etched.

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