Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration .taxonomy-header__description{ width: 675px !important; max-width: 100% !important; }

Image courtesy of: Vladimir Zapletin (iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Coverage of the people, tools and techniques related to fire and smoke damage restoration. Insights on assessing, cleaning, repairing and rebuilding property affected by flames, smoke and soot.

]]> https://www.randrmagonline.com/rss/4611 en-us Complications In Removing WUI Fire-Generated Lead Dust and Smoke Residue WUI fire contamination is composed of smoke and heavy metals and has a huge impact on buildings, learn how restorers should assess, test and clean up. 

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91927 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91927-complications-in-removing-wui-fire-generated-lead-dust-and-smoke-residue Why Smoke Odors Return After Fire Damage Restoration Learn why smoke odor can return after proper fire damage restoration which includes deodorization limits and the science behind our perception of odor.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91920 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91920-why-smoke-odors-return-after-fire-damage-restoration Is Weather Volatility Reshaping Restoration Demand? Learn how weather patterns are changing and driving fire and water events that overlap, and how restorers can proactively prepare.  

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91911 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91911-is-weather-volatility-reshaping-restoration-demand How Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Smoke Enters Stucco Walls and Hidden Building Cavities Learn how wildfire smoke and thermal pressure enter stucco wall systems through drainage openings, creating hidden contamination inside wall cavities and building assemblies.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91879 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91879-how-wildland-urban-interface-wui-smoke-enters-stucco-walls-and-hidden-building-cavities Why Travelers Fought a Fire Claim for Invisible Smoke Damage Did a Travelers builders’ risk policy cover damage from invisible combustion byproducts? Behind the costly, prolonged legal aftermath of an Alabama arson.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91837 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91837-why-travelers-fought-a-fire-claim-for-invisible-smoke-damage Cleaning and Deodorizing Antique Dolls After Wildfire Smoke Damage Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) In this episode of Ask Annissa, a homeowner impacted by the Pacific Palisades Fire asked for guidance on restoring her antique porcelain dolls damaged by the smoke. Annissa shares best practices for cleaning, deodorizing, and documenting.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91833 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91833-cleaning-and-deodorizing-antique-dolls-after-wildfire-smoke-damage Why Respirator Fit Testing Is Essential for Restoration Safety mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) This week’s Technical Tip shares why annual respirator fit testing is critical for OSHA compliance and worker safety. Barry Rice, CSP, highlights key aspects of fit testing, what it prevents, and why consistency is key.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91823 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91823-why-respirator-fit-testing-is-essential-for-restoration-safety Questions Homeowners have After a Fire Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) Homeowners often struggle to find and choose a qualified fire restoration company after a loss. Annissa Coy breaks down what proper onboarding looks like, what questions professionals should ask, and how to identify a trained, certified restoration team. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91815 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91815-questions-homeowners-have-after-a-fire Assessment of Heavy Metals in a Wildfire and a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Homeowners face information overload after WUI fires, while real risks linger indoors. This article translates science into practice and defines burn/near/far-field impact zones, separates visible from invisible, outlines forensic sampling strategies, and provides heavy-metal background context with defensible, ALARA-based PRV targets restorers and IHs can use to close complete their projects confidently.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91814 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91814-assessment-of-heavy-metals-in-a-wildfire-and-a-wildland-urban-interface-wui-fire Navigating the Gray Areas of Respiratory Protection After Fire Losses mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Barry Rice, CSP, shares how restorers can make informed, defensible respiratory protection decisions in post-fire environments where conditions constantly change. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91810 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91810-navigating-the-gray-areas-of-respiratory-protection-after-fire-losses Best Practices for Handling and Cleaning Contents After a Wildfire Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) In this episode of Ask Annissa, she shares best practices for packout, transporting, and cleaning wildfire-contaminated contents. She gives restoration professionals clear, defensible protocols to share with their customers. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91803 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91803-best-practices-for-handling-and-cleaning-contents-after-a-wildfire How to Safely Clean Soot-Damaged Books Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) After soot damaged a customer’s books in a kitchen fire, an industry professional asked for Annissa’s expert insights on cleaning them safely. See what works and what you should avoid.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91790 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91790-how-to-safely-clean-soot-damaged-books Safely Cleaning Smoke-Affected Crystals and Coral Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) Have you wondered how you can effectively clean smoke-affected crystals and coral? Annissa Coy shares why client onboarding matters and offers safe, gentle cleaning methods for these specialty items. 


]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91775 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91775-safely-cleaning-smoke-affected-crystals-and-coral IICRC, RIA and CIRI Release Technical Guide for Safe Wildfire Restoration IICRC, RIA and CIRI unveil a Technical Guide to restore wildfire-impacted homes using proven, science-based methods.]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91740 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:55:07 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91740-iicrc-ria-and-ciri-release-technical-guide-for-safe-wildfire-restoration Why Fire Smoke Residue May Be as Dangerous as Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke Emerging science reveals that lingering fire smoke residues may pose health risks similar to thirdhand tobacco smoke.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91675 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91675-why-fire-smoke-residue-may-be-as-dangerous-as-thirdhand-tobacco-smoke Cutting Through the Smell: Why Odor Removal Defines Real Restoration John Ortega explains why eliminating odors is essential to restoring comfort, trust and peace of mind. 

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91657 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91657-cutting-through-the-smell-why-odor-removal-defines-real-restoration 1-800-Packouts offers expert guidance to help homeowners prepare for and recover from fires 1-800-Packouts shares expert insight to help households reduce the threat of fire and navigate the recovery process when disaster strikes.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91653 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91653-1-800-packouts-offers-expert-guidance-to-help-homeowners-prepare-for-and-recover-from-fires How Wildfire Smoke Impacts Indoor Air Quality mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) John Otero of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE shares his insights on the hidden dangers of wildfire smoke and how restoration professionals can help protect the indoor environment. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91636 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91636-how-wildfire-smoke-impacts-indoor-air-quality The Dos and Don’ts of Multi-Unit Restoration A single sprinkler mishap or fire can disrupt dozens of units. Here’s how you can restore order with precision and care.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91611 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91611-the-dos-and-donts-of-multi-unit-restoration Winning the Battle Against Smoke Odors: A Guide for Fire Restoration Technicians lorne@disaster-education.com (Lorne McIntyre CR) Odor complaints after fire restoration can often stem from missing the source(s), not mistakes, learn how you and your team can identify and fix them. 

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91601 Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91601-winning-the-battle-against-smoke-odors-a-guide-for-fire-restoration-technicians How to Use Degreasers in Fire Restoration Cleaning This KnowHow guide breaks down the chemistry, application and best practices for using degreasers in fire restoration cleaning.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91562 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91562-how-to-use-degreasers-in-fire-restoration-cleaning Protecting Workers During Wildfire Cleanup and Determining the Salvageability of Contents After the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County, toxic smoke and contaminated contents highlight the urgent need for professional cleanup and strict PPE standards.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91533 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91533-protecting-workers-during-wildfire-cleanup-and-determining-the-salvageability-of-contents Avoid These 12 Common Errors When Restoring a Commercial Kitchen From code compliance to cross-contamination, learn about the 12 most common mistakes in commercial kitchen restoration and how you can avoid them.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91497 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91497-avoid-these-12-common-errors-when-restoring-a-commercial-kitchen Why CAM17 Studies Are Critical After Wildland-Urban Interface Fires After a WUI fire, CAM17 studies help identify toxic heavy metals in homes, soil and water, helping guide cleanup, health decisions and insurance claims.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91492 Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91492-why-cam17-studies-are-critical-after-wildland-urban-interface-fires How Tech Is Transforming Fire Restoration and Documentation mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Discover how fire investigation experts are using cutting-edge technology to streamline restoration and claims. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91437 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91437-how-tech-is-transforming-fire-restoration-and-documentation Restoring Fire-Damaged Electronics: Why Surface Cleaning Isn’t Enough Soot and smoke contamination after a fire can silently destroy electronics from the inside out. Find out how science-based restoration, IPC standards and contamination testing ensure long-term safety and performance, far beyond what the eye can see.  

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91420 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91420-restoring-fire-damaged-electronics-why-surface-cleaning-isnt-enough Restoring electronics after fire or flooding offers a cost-effective solution for homeowners david.gavilanes@bkpackz.com (David Gavilanes) Replacing electronics damaged by fire or water can be costly and overwhelming for homeowners. Fortunately, restoration specialists offer a more affordable and efficient alternative revitalizing devices through expert techniques like decontamination, ultrasonic cleaning and component repair.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91405 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91405-restoring-electronics-after-fire-or-flooding-offers-a-cost-effective-solution-for-homeowners After catastrophic fire, homeowners have treasured collection restored by 1-800-Packouts of Southeast Massachusetts A Massachusetts couple’s beloved ceramic collection was nearly lost to fire, until expert help arrived.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91403 Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91403-after-catastrophic-fire-homeowners-have-treasured-collection-restored-by-1-800-packouts-of-southeast-massachusetts Following devastating fire, Aurora family has precious memories preserved by 1-800-Packouts of Northern Illinois After a fire destroyed their home, one Aurora family found hope in the recovery of irreplaceable memories.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91402 Thu, 29 May 2025 12:59:49 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91402-following-devastating-fire-aurora-family-has-precious-memories-preserved-by-1-800-packouts-of-northern-illinois What Equipment Will I Need on a Wildfire Cleanup? Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) Check out these must-have tools and expert tips for wildfire cleanup. From HEPA vacuums to air scrubbers, learn how to tackle smoke, soot and debris effectively. Stay prepared for restoration challenges and protect your environment.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91343 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91343-what-equipment-will-i-need-on-a-wildfire-cleanup