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Fire and Smoke Damage RestorationCatastrophe RestorationContamination Restoration & Remediation​Safety for Restoration ContractorsAsk the Expert

Ask the Expert

Beyond the Burn: What's Next for Fire Restoration?

Industry experts discuss fire safety, testing, contamination, and why restoration requires more than “cleaning”

By Kayla McGowan
October 28, 2026

Welcome back to another episode of Ask The Expert. This week, we're continuing the conversation from The Experience in Las Vegas with Beyond the Burn Part 2. We're joined by moderator Kevin Coy, fire restoration educator and contents specialist, and panelists David Hart of RamAir International, David Hodge of Reets Drying Academy, and Tom McArdle of Airbotx.

We're taking a closer look at some of the questions that came up during our panel in Las Vegas. From fire contamination and testing to contents restoration, safety, and education, we cover it all in this episode. 

Key topics of discussion include:

  • Fire losses can introduce a variety of hazards, and understanding what you're walking into is an important part of protecting your team and the property owner.
  • From proper PPE and HVAC assessments to understanding fire science, the panel addresses some of the common challenges restorers face and where additional training and education may be necessary.
  • Why understanding the contamination you're dealing with matters when developing your scope and determining the appropriate restoration approach.
  • The importance of third-party professionals, post-restoration testing, and why visual inspections and odor assessments may not always tell the full story.
  • When it comes to restoring or replacing materials, understanding fire behavior, material damage, and contamination can help you make more informed decisions.
  • Understanding your team's capabilities and knowing when to bring in additional expertise can make a difference.
  • The need for ongoing training and understanding the science behind the work can help you better prepare for your next fire loss.

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KEYWORDS: contamination testing environmental hazards smoke odor removal wildfire

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Kayla mcgowan author

Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

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