PuroClean of Central Colorado Springs Fire And Smoke Frequently Asked Questions
Monoammonium phosphate, ABC Dry Chemical, ABE Powder, tri-class, or multi-purpose dry chemical is a dry chemical extinguishing agent used on class A, class B, and class C fires. It uses a specially fluidized and siliconized monoammonium phosphate powder. From Quora: While fire extinguisher powder is non-toxic, it is not entirely safe. The chemicals used are considered appropriate for home use, but you should take precautions to avoid touching or inhaling too much of the powder. The chemicals can irritate the skin, so use gloves and avoid inhaling by using a dust mask if there is a need to clean the place where the fire occurs. Inhalation is one of the biggest dangers of fire extinguisher powder. It is very irritating to mucous membranes and may cause difficulties with breathing if inhaled in large enough quantities.
You can use sand or dirt to put out small fires. Never use water on an oil fire because water will evaporate and carry burning grease particles. Never use water on an electrical fire because water will conduct electricity and deliver a potentially deadly shock. Before attempting to put out an electrical fire, dry your hands and shut off the breaker if it’s not too close to the fire. Baking soda makes an effective extinguishing agent for grease fires. For small grease fires, use a metal pot lid to cover any remaining grease that hasn’t caught fire. Never use glass, glass will explode into dangerous fragments if it gets too hot. Also, never try to move a burning object outside before extinguishing the fire, or you risk spreading the fire.
Yes, our team explains coverage terms, assists with documentation, and helps homeowners communicate effectively with adjusters.
Pets are sensitive to air quality and chemicals, so it’s recommended they stay elsewhere until air scrubbers and cleaning are complete.
Not necessarily. Many clients grant access and receive updates remotely, especially during long cleaning projects.
Soot particles are microscopic and can bond to surfaces. They become visible when disturbed or when moisture interacts with them.
Using dry sponges, HEPA vacuums, microfiber cloths, and specialized chemical sponges designed for soot removal without smearing.
Ideally within hours. Fast response helps reduce smoke penetration, prevents corrosion, and limits structural and contents damage.
Yes. Smoke moves through air currents, hallways, HVAC ducts, and building cavities, affecting the entire home even when flames were limited.
Technicians check for soot spread, smoke odor sources, structural damage, hidden hotspots, HVAC contamination, moisture from firefighting, and safety hazards.
Fire mitigation involves stopping damage from spreading and making the property safe. Restoration focuses on returning the home to pre-loss condition.
We provide detailed, insurance-ready documentation: soot tests, moisture readings, photos, damage reports, and scope of work. Our accurate reports help adjusters approve your claim faster and ensure the estimate reflects what your home truly needs.
Immediately. Delays can cause smoke, soot, and water damage to worsen and may jeopardize portions of your coverage if the insurance company considers it secondary damage. PuroClean of Colorado Springs offers 24/7 emergency response to help protect your claim.
No. In Colorado, homeowners have the legal right to choose any certified fire mitigation company they trust. You do not have to use the insurance carrier’s preferred vendor. PuroClean of Colorado Springs works directly for the homeowner’s best interest.
Even when damage appears minimal, soot residue, toxins, and odor molecules settle on all surfaces. A full-home structural cleaning ensures the environment is safe, especially for households with children, seniors, or individuals with asthma.
Smoke contains acidic particles, carcinogens, and allergens. These contaminants can irritate lungs, worsen asthma, and damage materials over time if not professionally removed.
Our cleaning includes HEPA vacuuming, soot removal from all surfaces, light fixture cleaning, deodorization, and air filtration. We follow strict IICRC fire restoration standards to ensure complete removal of harmful particles and smoke odors.
We use professional deodorization equipment such as thermal foggers, hydroxyl generators, and odor-neutralizing agents. Paired with deep cleaning, this removes odors permanently, not just covers them up.
Smoke and soot can spread through every room in the house, even if the fire was contained to one small area. HVAC systems, air movement, and pressure changes allow microscopic particles to travel into walls, ceilings, vents, and belongings.
[VIDEO] Flammable liquids and gases, electrical fires, combustible metals, and kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.
[VIDEO] To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves. Be sure to rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.
[VIDEO] Fires are mainly caused from dried leaves, faulty electrical wiring or equipment, unattended stoves and ovens, unattended candles, children playing with fire, flammable liquids, and careless smoking.
[VIDEO] Yes, you will be responsible for your deductible. If the loss is a covered claim, your insurance will pay any covered invoices up to your policy limit minus your deductible.
Your policy limit is the amount of money available to cover your claim.
Yes. Exposure to any smoke can irritate the eyes and cause breathing and other health issues. With a modern fire many synthetic materials will be burnt – they produce hazardous and toxic materials that should be cleaned by trained professionals.
[VIDEO] Yes, but it is recommended that the work be done by professionals. The residue is an irritant and can cause discomfort and/or breathing problems; and can irritate the skin.
[VIDEO] It depends on the specific nature of the fire. The BEST plan is to have at least 1 “ABC” fire extinguisher in your home. They are rated for ever type of fire. If you know the fire does not involve electricity or grease (in a kitchen) or another type of fuel – then water is fine. If you have any doubt about your ability to put out a fire very quickly, the best course of action is to leave the home with all of your family and to call the fire department – from OUTSIDE of the home.
[VIDEO] Call PuroClean to come to your home to help do an assessment of the extent of the damage! They can begin remediation efforts immediately – which is the best way to minimize the damage of reduce the costs of the event. Even a “small” fire results in smoke/soot/odor throughout the home.
[VIDEO] Legally, only a licensed inspector like a structural engineer or industrial hygienist can determine the safety of a building. Besides, the risk of checking the fire damage yourself is too great. Call a professional.
[VIDEO] Most restoration companies also provide board-up services to prevent possible theft. A proper board-up should include using 3/8″ plywood with 2x4s bolted from inside the dwelling over windows. The front door should have a secure lock.
[VIDEO] It depends on your specific policy. Call your insurance agent and/or adjuster to find out if the loss is covered in your policy.
[VIDEO] This depends on the degree of the damage, your home’s layout, and your comfort level. As an alternate plan, talk with your insurance agent about off-site housing and staying at a hotel – these might be covered by your policy.
[VIDEO] No! Water conducts electricity and can deliver a potentially deadly electric shock. If the fire is from an appliance and you can safely unplug it, go ahead. You can also use a heavy blanket to cut off its oxygen supply and smother it, or you can use a fire extinguisher designed for a Class C fire.
[VIDEO] Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months. Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.
It is our guarantee and specialty in insure that the odors and residue of smoke and fire are completely eliminated by using OSHA compliant materials and professional chemicals.
The safety of the home after a fire has occurred is circumstantial and will vary depending on the severity of the smoke damage and if the structural integrity of the home has been compromised. After a fire has occurred, the home should be cleared by your local fire department or a structural engineer to determine if residency can be immediately continued.
The most common causes of a house fire are kitchen fires, electrical fires, complications, or accidents caused by smoking and lightning strikes.
In most losses, cleaning the soot and smoke is the toughest part. Moreover, even small fires can cause major damage within minutes and leave lingering odors if not cleaned up properly. If you don’t act within a day or two of the fire, soot and smoke can leave permanent damage. Restoration professionals have the tools and know-how to restore your home as fast as possible and mitigate the loss.
Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration job.
The length of time varies on the extent of the damage. Additionally, local authorities and your insurance agent will also want to investigate the damage before the restoration company can start the cleanup.
Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration procedure.
Food safety after a fire is a huge issue, so you should discard non-perishable food exposed to heat, smoke, and firefighting chemicals, as well as perishable food left at room temperature for too long. However, you might be able to salvage refrigerated and frozen food after a fire. You should also throw out medicines, cosmetics, and burned clothing.Inventory non-restorable items to support your claims. Be sure to include the name, cost, and the year each item was purchased. Photos documenting the loss are great too.
Circuit breaker keeps tripping, persisting burnt smell with no identifiable source, several discolored or charred outlets and switches, or you have old or outdated wiring.
STOP! Moving or running feeds air to the flames and worsens the fire. DROP to the floor—if you stand up, the fire can burn your face. ROLL slowly on the floor or ground in a rug or blanket if you can. COOL off as soon as possible with water for first and second-degree burns.
The length of time varies on the extent of the damage. Additionally, local authorities and your insurance agent will also want to investigate the damage before the restoration company can start the cleanup.
This depends on the degree of the damage, your home’s layout, and your comfort level. As an alternate plan, talk with your insurance agent about off-site housing and staying at a hotel – these might be covered by your policy.
Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration job.
In most losses, cleaning the soot and smoke is the toughest part. Moreover, even small fires can cause major damage within minutes and leave lingering odors if not cleaned up properly. If you don’t act within a day or two of the fire, soot and smoke can leave permanent damage. Restoration professionals have the tools and know-how to restore your home as fast as possible and mitigate the loss.
Legally, only a licensed inspector like a structural engineer or industrial hygienist can determine the safety of a building. Besides, the risk of checking the fire damage yourself is too great. Call a professional.
Most restoration companies also provide board-up services to prevent possible theft. A proper board-up should include using 3/8″ plywood with 2x4s bolted from inside the dwelling over windows. The front door should have a secure lock.
Call your insurance agent and submit your claim. He or she will provide you with information on securing your home, hiring a reliable restoration company, and more.
PuroClean of Central Colorado Springs