In Oklahoma, fire season can happen at any time. Edmond has experienced some of its worst house fires in winter, often because of overused space heaters or holiday lights left up too long. Kitchen fires also increase every November, and fires from downed power lines can happen whenever storms hit. Many homeowners in Edmond are surprised by how complicated the recovery process can be.
The First 48 Hours After a House Fire
Smoke odor and soot can start to stick to surfaces just hours after a fire. Materials like drywall, wood, and fabric soak up smoke deeply. Water from firefighting can also cause more damage by soaking floors and the building’s frame. On the first day, our team focuses on protecting your home by boarding up broken areas, covering roof damage, and starting a full inspection. This helps keep out more weather, which is especially important in Edmond because of unpredictable spring storms.
Soot Is More Than a Stain
Types of Soot and Why They Matter
Soot is not all the same. Kitchen fires create protein-based soot, which is hard to see but smells strong and leaves a tough film. Fires involving synthetic materials make thick, oily soot that can smear if not cleaned properly. Our technicians check what kind of soot is present before choosing the best cleaning method, since using the wrong cleaner can make stains permanent.
Smoke Odor and Air Duct Contamination
Smoke odor goes deeper than just surfaces. During a fire, the HVAC system can pull smoke into the ducts and air returns. If a house still smells like smoke months later, it’s often because the ducts were not cleaned. At BISON Restoration Services, we always include air duct cleaning and odor removal in our full fire restoration services.
Coordinating With Your Insurance Carrier
Many Edmond homeowners find working with insurance more stressful than cleaning up after a fire. Our team has experience with adjusters in Moore, Norman, Shawnee, Oklahoma City, and Yukon, so we know what paperwork they need. From the start, we provide detailed photos and written reports to protect you and help your claim move forward without delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go back into my house after a fire?
You should only go back inside after the fire department says it’s safe. Even then, touching soot-covered areas without proper gear can expose you to harmful particles. Let your restoration team check the conditions before you try to clean anything yourself.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
The first phase, called mitigation, includes removing water, cleaning soot, taking out damaged materials, and making the structure safe. This usually takes one to two weeks. Rebuilding can take longer, depending on the extent of the damage and how quickly materials can be sourced.
Will my belongings be salvageable?
Many things like furniture, clothes, and personal items can often be cleaned and restored with special methods. Our team checks your belongings early on so you know what can be saved before anything is thrown away.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover fire damage restoration?
Most standard insurance policies cover fire damage restoration up to your policy limits. Coverage can vary, so it’s important to check your policy and talk to your adjuster as soon as possible.
What should I do while I wait for your crew to arrive?
Stay away from badly damaged areas and try not to disturb any soot. If it’s safe, take photos from a distance and keep track of any temporary expenses, since your insurance may cover them.
Call the Team That Knows Oklahoma Fires
BISON Restoration Services has helped people recover from fire damage in Edmond and the surrounding area for decades. If your home or business has had a fire, call us at 405-225-2024, visit gobison.us, or check out our Google Business Profile to see what our customers say. We’ll support you from your first call to the final walkthrough.
