Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Rising from the Ashes
5/19/2024 (Permalink)
This is a fire caused by a toaster.
Rising from the Ashes
Fire, both awe-inspiring and destructive, has the power to consume everything in its path within minutes. The aftermath is overwhelming. Understanding the causes, effects, and steps to recovery is crucial.
Common Causes of Fires
Fires can ignite from various sources, each presenting unique risks:
- Electrical Malfunctions
- Cooking Accidents
- Heating Equipment
- Smoking
- Arson and Intentional Fires
From faulty wiring, overloaded circuits and damaged appliances can spark and cause a fire. Leaving stoves unattended while cooking or having flammable materials near the cooking area causes most residential fires. Space heaters and improperly maintained furnaces can pose fire hazards especially in the colder months.
Improperly extinguishing cigarettes or discarded ashes can ignite fire both indoors and outdoors. Then you have deliberate acts of arson or vandalism that can cause extensive property damage and endanger lives.
Here is an example of a fire that was caused by a toaster. No one was home and lucky enough the neighbor seen the flames through a roof vent and called 911. This saved the home from being a total loss and the homeowners losing everything.
If you have had a fire and would like an inspection, please call our office 559-453-3336.
Hazards of Battery Charging
4/10/2020 (Permalink)
This is a RC Plane Charger
How many of us just casually put a battery on a charger and walk away?
Do you head the warnings when plugging in any device? There is a reason they attach the warning label to the charging cord or the battery directly. Always read the safety instructions and warnings before using or charging batteries.
Read all Important Safety Instruction and Warnings
- General Guidelines and Warnings
- Before You Charge
- Charging Process
- First Use
- Storage & Transportation
- Caring for Battery
- Operating Temperature
- Battery Life
- Product Warranty
Sometimes a charging battery can cause a fire. They can often explode causing a lot of damage. This customer plugged a RC Plane battery in to charge. The battery caught fire in his garage causing a complete meltdown of the battery and surrounding area. The garage was heavily smoke damaged and some of the wiring had to be replaced.
Most items you purchase come with a label, make sure to read any guidelines and follow them. You can also unplug unused items to keep your home safe.
If you need Us at SERVPRO of Fresno Southeast, Please Call 559 453-3336.
Fresno Residents, do you have questions about smoke?
5/29/2019 (Permalink)
This ceiling had fire, smoke, soot and water damage.
Here are some Smoke and Soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and the upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, while seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The soot sticks to the walls and anything it lands on.
- The smell sticks to soft goods; like curtains, furniture and clothes
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Did you know there are Different Types of Smoke!
There are different types of smoke–wet, dry and protein. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire as well. We begin the restoration process with a test of the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Cleaning procedures will be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some information on the different types of smoke:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action. Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Fresno Southeast Today – 559-453-3336
Fresno Smoke and Soot Cleanup
9/14/2016 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Fresno Southeast will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 559-453-3336