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It depends. For new ovens, it’s best to run a few empty cycles to prepare the oven for use and to keep any manufacturing byproducts from entering your food. But if your oven is smoking due to a few burnt pieces of old food, then it probably won’t hurt to eat it. If there’s a lot of smoke, then your food probably won’t taste good, even if it might not be harmful to consume.

If untreated, smoke damage is definitely toxic. Carbon and tar are two types of toxic chemicals in smoke that can damage your lungs and other parts of your body if you breathe them in for long periods of time. If you still smell smoke after the fire, it’s important that you call your restoration team for support.

The timeline for fire damage restoration varies significantly, from a day or two to over a year, depending on the extent of the damage. For minor incidents like a small cooking fire, cleaning up soot and removing smoke odors may only take a day or two. Repairing minor damage might take about one to two weeks. However, a major fire requiring structural repairs, full property renovation, and replacement of materials can take anywhere from six to 12 months to over a year. This longer timeline often includes waiting for insurance approvals and contractor scheduling. It's best to consult with your insurance provider and restoration team to get an accurate timeline for your specific situation.

DIY cleanup is not recommended due to hazardous soot, odors, and potential structural issues.