Fire & Smoke Damage
Fire and smoke damage cleanup, soot removal, and odor control—so you can get back to normal fast. Servicing Medina, Akron, Strongsville, Brunswick & surrounding Northeast Ohio communities.
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Helping You Navigate Insurance
Fire and smoke losses can be overwhelming, and the claims process often comes with a lot of questions. BTN can help by providing clear restoration documentation—photos, notes, and itemized details of the work being performed—along with straightforward updates as the job moves forward. Coverage decisions are made by your insurance company, but our goal is to keep the restoration side organized, transparent, and as stress-free as possible.
Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration: What to Expect and What to Do First
After a fire, the damage isn’t just what you can see. Smoke and soot can travel through vents, settle into walls and insulation, stain ceilings, and leave behind strong odors that don’t go away with basic cleaning. Water used to put the fire out can also create additional damage in the same areas. That’s why professional fire and smoke damage restoration isn’t just “cleanup.” It’s a controlled process designed to remove soot safely, address odors at the source, and restore affected surfaces without spreading residue into clean areas. The biggest mistake most people make is trying to wipe soot or deodorize with household products. Soot can smear, stain, and embed deeper into materials, and the wrong approach can make cleanup harder and more expensive. Fast action—done safely—can make a major difference in how much can be restored.
If you have fire or smoke damage, the priority is: make sure the property is safe, avoid disturbing soot, document the damage, and get professional smoke/soot cleanup started as soon as possible.
What To Do Immediately (Before Help Arrives)
If you’re dealing with fire or smoke damage, these steps can help protect your property while you’re waiting for service:
If there is any immediate danger, call 911 and do not re-enter until cleared.
Turn off HVAC systems if safe to do so to help prevent spreading soot through the building.
Avoid touching or wiping soot on walls, ceilings, counters, or belongings (it can smear and stain).
Ventilate only if it is safe and recommended—opening windows can sometimes spread soot or worsen odor movement.
Take photos/videos for documentation and make a list of visibly damaged items.
Call for smoke and soot cleanup—odors and residue can set into materials the longer they remain.
Why Fire & Smoke Damage Gets Worse Over Time
Smoke residue is acidic and can continue to damage surfaces after the fire is out. Over time, soot can permanently stain walls, ceilings, fabrics, and finishes, while smoke odors can become trapped in porous materials like drywall, insulation, carpet, furniture, and framing. The longer residue sits, the harder it can be to remove—and the more likely it is that materials need replacement instead of restoration. Quick, professional cleanup helps reduce permanent staining, corrosion, and lingering odor issues.
A common rule of thumb: the sooner soot removal and odor control begins, the more you can often save—including items and surfaces that might otherwise be ruined.
Call BTN Restoration Now
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24/7 Emergency Response
We’ll prioritize urgent fire and smoke losses and dispatch a team as quickly as possible to begin soot cleanup, odor control, and restoration steps.
We Are IICRC Certified
After a fire, proper cleanup isn’t just about making things look better—it’s about removing smoke residue safely and preventing soot from spreading into clean areas. BTN Restoration Group is IICRC-certified, which means we follow recognized industry standards and best practices for fire and smoke damage restoration, including careful assessment, controlled cleaning methods, and professional deodorization. In plain English: we use the right process and equipment to address soot, stains, and odors the right way—so you can move forward with confidence and get your space back to normal.
Our Process
Call / Submit the Form
Tell us what happened and whether the damage is from fire, smoke, or both. If it’s urgent, call anytime—fire and smoke losses are prioritized.
On-Site Inspection & Damage Assessment
We assess the affected areas, identify soot and smoke impact (including hidden areas), and determine what needs to happen first. We’ll work with your insurance company if necessary.
Clear Plan + Estimate
You get a straightforward scope of work, recommended next steps, and realistic expectations for timeline.
Soot Cleanup & Initial Mitigation
We begin controlled soot removal and surface cleaning to help prevent staining and stop residue from spreading to unaffected areas.
Odor Control, Monitoring & Updates
We monitor moisture levels, adjust equipment as needed, and keep you updated as the job progresses.
Fire & Smoke Damage Services We Provide in Ohio
Emergency Board-Up & Site Stabilization (If Needed)
If windows, doors, or the roof are compromised, we can help secure the property to prevent further damage.
Smoke & Soot Cleanup
We remove soot from walls, ceilings, floors, and surfaces using controlled methods to reduce staining and prevent spread.
Odor Removal & Deodorization
We treat smoke odors at the source using professional deodorization techniques—beyond just masking smells.
Contents Cleaning & Pack-Out Support (If Needed)
We help protect and clean salvageable belongings and can separate affected items to support the restoration process.
Repairs & Restoration Support
If repairs are needed after cleanup, we can coordinate next steps to help bring your space back to normal.
When Fire & Smoke Damage Happens, Time Matters
A fire can leave behind more than visible damage—smoke and soot can spread quickly through your home or business, staining surfaces and embedding odors into walls, insulation, and belongings. BTN Restoration Group helps Ohio homeowners and businesses respond fast with soot cleanup, smoke residue removal, odor control, and restoration support designed to stop further damage and help you get back to normal.
Fire & Smoke Damage FAQs
Do you offer 24/7 fire and smoke damage restoration?
Yes. BTN provides 24/7 emergency response for fire and smoke damage so cleanup can start quickly and secondary damage is reduced.
How fast should soot be cleaned after a fire?
As soon as possible. Soot residue is acidic and can stain surfaces and damage materials the longer it sits. Quick, professional cleanup can save more of the home and contents.
What should I do immediately after a fire?
First, make sure the property is safe and follow guidance from fire officials. Avoid touching soot, turn off HVAC if safe, take photos for documentation, and call a restoration team for assessment and cleanup.
Is it safe to stay in a house after smoke damage?
It depends on the severity, air quality, and any structural or electrical concerns. If you’re unsure, avoid the affected areas and get a professional assessment.
Why does smoke smell linger even after cleaning?
Smoke odors can absorb into porous materials like drywall, insulation, carpet, fabrics, and framing. Proper odor removal targets the source using professional deodorization methods—not just air fresheners.
Can you remove smoke odor completely?
In many cases, yes—especially when cleanup and deodorization are started early. Results depend on the fire type, affected materials, and how far smoke traveled.
Will wiping soot make it worse?
It can. Wiping soot with household cleaners may smear residue, embed it deeper, and cause permanent staining. It’s best to avoid disturbing soot until it’s assessed and cleaned properly.
What is the difference between smoke damage and soot damage?
Smoke damage refers to odor and residue that spreads through the structure. Soot damage refers to the physical particles that settle on surfaces and can stain, corrode, or contaminate materials.
Do you work with homeowners insurance for fire damage claims?
BTN can provide clear documentation—photos, notes, and itemized restoration details—to support the claims process. Coverage decisions are made by your insurance company.
How much does fire and smoke restoration cost?
Costs vary based on the extent of soot and smoke spread, affected materials, odor severity, and any water damage from suppression. The best way to get accurate pricing is an on-site inspection and estimate.
