Fire Odor Removal: Understanding the Causes and Effective Solutions by SERVPRO of North Central Mesa

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

A fire can leave behind not only visible damage but also persistent odors that serve as a constant reminder of the traumatic event. It's essential to address these odors to restore a comfortable living environment for you and your family. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes fire odor, how it's removed, and the methods SERVPRO of North Central Mesa uses to eliminate fire odors in your Mesa, AZ home.

What Causes Fire Odor?

Fire odors are caused by a combination of factors, including:

1. Smoke: Smoke is the primary source of fire odors. It contains a mixture of toxic gases, volatile organic compounds, and fine particles that can permeate various surfaces in your home, leaving behind an unpleasant smell.
2. Soot: Soot is the black residue that forms when organic materials burn incompletely. Soot particles can cling to surfaces and be difficult to remove, contributing to lingering odors.
3. Burnt Materials: The burning of various materials like wood, plastics, fabrics, and synthetic materials during a fire can produce distinct odors that can persist long after the fire has been extinguished.

The Chemical Reactions Science behind Fire and Smoke Odor

Smoke odor is the result of complex chemical reactions that occur during the combustion process when a fire burns various materials. The main factors affecting smoke odor are the types of materials burned, the temperature at which they burn, and the availability of oxygen during combustion.

When materials burn, they undergo oxidation reactions, breaking down into smaller molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of these VOCs are responsible for the characteristic smell of smoke. Examples of odor-causing compounds include:

1. Aldehydes: Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other aldehydes are produced when materials containing cellulose (like wood, paper, and natural fibers) burn. These compounds often have a pungent and irritating odor.
2. Phenols: Phenolic compounds are produced when plastics, synthetic fibers, and other materials containing hydrocarbons burn. They contribute to a strong, acrid odor.
3. Ketones and organic acids: These compounds are produced from the incomplete combustion of various materials, including natural and synthetic fibers, and can contribute to the overall smoke odor.
4. Sulfur-containing compounds: The combustion of materials containing sulfur, such as rubber and some plastics, can produce hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and other sulfur-containing compounds. These substances can have a strong and unpleasant odor.
5. Nitrogen-containing compounds: The burning of materials containing nitrogen, such as proteins and some plastics, can produce nitrogen-containing compounds like ammonia and hydrogen cyanide. These can also contribute to the unpleasant smell associated with smoke.

The intensity and nature of the smoke odor can be influenced by factors such as the type and amount of fuel (i.e., the material being burned), the combustion temperature, and the availability of oxygen. Hotter fires with more oxygen generally produce less smoke and odor, as they result in more complete combustion. However, incomplete combustion, which occurs in cooler, oxygen-poor fires, can produce more smoke and a stronger odor due to the higher concentration of partially oxidized compounds.

Eliminating smoke odor can be challenging because the odorous compounds can penetrate porous materials and linger long after the fire has been extinguished. Professional restoration services use specialized equipment and techniques, such as ozone generators, hydroxyl generators, or thermal fogging, to neutralize and remove smoke odors effectively.

How is Fire Odor Removed?

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa uses a multi-step process to remove fire odors:

1. Assessment: Our trained professionals will first assess the extent of the odor problem and identify the sources of the odor in your home.
2. Cleaning: We will thoroughly clean all affected areas, removing soot, smoke, and burnt materials from your home.
3. Deodorization: Our team will utilize specialized deodorization techniques to neutralize and eliminate the remaining odors.

What are the Methods for Eliminating Fire Odor?

SERVPRO of North Central Mesa employs several techniques to effectively eliminate fire odors:

1. Air Scrubbers: Air scrubbers use HEPA filters to remove particles, gases, and odors from the air, improving indoor air quality.
2. Ozone Generators: Ozone generators produce ozone, which reacts with odor-causing molecules and neutralizes them, effectively eliminating stubborn odors.
3. Thermal Fogging: Thermal fogging involves heating a deodorizing agent until it becomes a fine mist, which can penetrate deep into porous surfaces to neutralize odors at their source.
4. Hydroxyl Generators: Hydroxyl generators produce hydroxyl radicals that break down odor-causing compounds, providing a safe and effective method for odor elimination.

Why use an IICRC Certified Technician?

Using an IICRC Certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) to remove fire odor is important for several reasons:

1. Expert knowledge: IICRC Certified technicians possess in-depth knowledge of fire and smoke behavior, as well as the chemical reactions that produce odors and residues. They can accurately assess the damage and identify the most effective methods to eliminate odors and restore affected materials.
2. Proper techniques and equipment: Certified FSRTs are trained in the latest techniques and use specialized equipment for odor removal, such as ozone generators, hydroxyl generators, and thermal foggers. They also know how to properly clean and restore various surfaces and materials without causing further damage.
3. Health and safety: Fire and smoke damage can pose health risks due to toxic substances released during combustion. IICRC Certified technicians are trained to identify potential hazards and implement proper safety measures during the restoration process to protect both themselves and the occupants of the property.
4. Quality assurance: IICRC certification ensures that technicians adhere to established industry standards, providing a level of quality assurance for the restoration work. This can give property owners peace of mind that the job will be done professionally and thoroughly.
5. Insurance compliance: Many insurance companies require that restoration work be performed by IICRC-certified professionals. Hiring a certified technician can help ensure compliance with your insurance policy and may facilitate a smoother claims process.
6. Efficient and effective restoration: IICRC Certified technicians have the knowledge and skills to address fire odors and damage quickly and effectively, which can help minimize further damage, reduce restoration costs, and allow you to return to your property sooner.

What is an IICRC Certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician?

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) is an international non-profit organization that sets standards and provides certification for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. One of the certifications offered by the IICRC is for fire and smoke damage restoration, known as the Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) certification.

The FSRT certification ensures that technicians have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform fire and smoke damage restoration effectively and safely. To obtain the certification, technicians must complete an IICRC-approved FSRT course and pass a comprehensive examination. The course covers a wide range of topics related to fire and smoke damage restoration, including:

1. Principles of fire and smoke damage restoration: Understanding the behavior of fire, smoke, and the chemical reactions that produce odors and residues.
2. Safety and health considerations: Identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate safety measures during the restoration process.
3. Inspection and pre-restoration evaluation: Assessing the extent of damage, identifying affected materials, and determining the best restoration approach.
4. Cleaning techniques and procedures: Learning various cleaning methods, such as dry and wet cleaning, deodorization, and specialized techniques for different types of materials and surfaces.
5. Structural restoration: Addressing structural damage, such as charred framing or damaged drywall, and coordinating with other professionals for necessary repairs.
6. Contents restoration: Cleaning and restoring personal belongings, furniture, and appliances affected by fire and smoke damage.
7. HVAC system cleaning: Understanding the importance of cleaning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems after fire and smoke damage to remove contaminants and improve indoor air quality.

By hiring an IICRC-certified FSRT, you can be assured that the technician has undergone proper training and adheres to the IICRC's standards for professional fire and smoke damage restoration. This ensures that the restoration process is carried out safely, effectively, and with the highest level of care for your property and belongings.

Fire odor removal is a crucial step in restoring your home to its pre-fire condition. The expert IICRC Certified team at SERVPRO of North Central Mesa, located in Mesa, AZ, is equipped with the knowledge, experience, and tools to eliminate even the most stubborn fire odors. Trust our professionals to help you regain a comfortable, odor-free living environment. Contact us today for expert fire odor removal services.