Fleet Response

Wildfire Post-Fire/Smoke Recovery Tips

Burke’s Restoration, is offering practical safety tips to protect residents and business owners during Spokane’s wildfires. We experienced oversized disasters during the last decade we’ve operated in the Washington area. Here are tips to protect business owners, homeowners, and renters from any potential damage from smoke, fire, water, or smoke and soot in the air.

Wildfire

The Burke’s team has experienced just about every situation related to fire and smoke damage that you can imagine – and then some. Sharing ways to avoid injury during the clean-up process is just another way we can serve our friends and neighbors. There are five critical things to do when you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire.

  • Site safety is critical.Before entering a building with fire/smoke damage, consult the fire department, local building officials, your insurance agent, and restoration specialist before you begin any cleaning or repairs.
  • Protect yourself. Wear an N-95 ANSI-approved dust mask, work gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and goggles to avoid skin contact. Change your shoes and clothing before leaving the site to avoid tracking ash into your car, home, etc. If you do find any ash on your person, immediately wash your clothes and skin to avoid irritation.
  • Know what to clean. Fire can cause serious damage. Many of the items in your home or business could have been badly damaged by fire, smoke, and the water used to extinguish the flames. If you don’t have a total loss, and your damage is moderate to heavy, consider hiring a certified smoke and fire damage restoration company.
Wildfire by River

DIY Cleaning Tips

  • DIY Cleaning Tip #1: Clean the interior by only using a dry HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum. Shop vacs DO NOT filter out small particles and can put them back into the air.
  • DIY Cleaning Tip #2: Wash all surfaces and items with soap and water, rinse, and sanitize. Be sure to securely seal any bags or containers to prevent ash from being redistributed into the air.
  • DIY Cleaning Tip #3: Draperies, clothing, and machine-washable items may be cleaned or laundered.
  • DIY Cleaning Tip #4: Do not eat or drink anything that has been near the flames, smoke, ash, or water.
  • DIY Cleaning Tip #5: Clean the exterior of the building, sidewalks, driveways, and decks with a power washer and/or the stiffest brush you can find using a safe cleaning solution, freshwater scrubbing, and then rinsing.

How to Select the Right Restoration Company

Beware of scam artists targeting fire victims. Evey disaster we see “professionals” following a disaster who will move in to over fire restoration or similar services. You can identify them because they will require funding up-front, and when you ask for their insurance papers, they won’t have any. Red lights should start flashing inside your head whenever someone wants you to make an immediate commitment and give them money up-front.

It’s critical that a certified company have proper licensing and liability insurance to adhere to a code of ethics and employ trained technicians. The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Industries.

When approached by any company for fire, smoke, or water restoration services, call the IICRC hotline to confirm the certification of the company, 844-464-4272. Go to www.iicrc.org for a list of certified water restorers.

Burke’s Restoration is a partner company of a national restoration company called FLEET Response. FLEET Reponse is a nationwide leader in the restoration industry that has joined together family-owned restorers. If your home or business has sustained smoke or fire damage and you want to schedule an appointment, call us at 208-858-5191 or contact us online.

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Post Falls, ID

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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value Losing my house to a fire has not been an easy experience. I was referred to burkes by my local fire department who put out the fire at my house. This entire process with them so...

Post Falls, ID

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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value This is absolutely one of the best companies hands down I have ever worked with. Honest people on time service and most of all can-do attitude. The project managers are amazing to work with. I w...

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Burke's Restoration utilizes a superior fire damage restoration process to aid in your fire damage recovery in Spokane, Liberty Lake & Post Falls.

Burke's Restoration is your reliable source for structural fire damage restoration for residential and commercial properties in Spokane, WA & Coeur d'Alene, ID.

To minimize fire explosion one should follow some safety rules, or to restore your damage due to fire, Burke’s Restoration is the best solution for you

What Customers Say About Burke's Restoration


“Bret was very professional, he explained everything he was going to do before he did it. He was on time everyday, and answered all my questions. He made sure the all any moisture was had dried and got the room ready for new flooring. Thank you Bret for all your hard work!!”

“Cyndy Miller is the most amazing lady. After we lost our house through a fire, Cyndy was there like an angel. Cyndy was so passionate and caring; personable, yet professional. Although we can't wait to move back into our home, it will be bitter-sweet realizing that she won't be around. My wife and I will certainly miss her.”

“Burke’s DKI came to the rescue when my kitchen suffered water damage. They were efficient, knowledgeable, professional and had the proper tools to do the best job. I would definitely recommend Burke’s DKI to anyone faced with damage cleanup. Thanks to Derek, Josh and Cobe!”

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