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Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage and restoration, provided the fire was not set intentionally or caused by negligence. Accidental fires, such as those from electrical issues, cooking, or gas, are typically covered. Your policy will usually cover emergency services like roof tarping, the full cost of remediation and rebuilding, and may also cover alternative housing while your home is being restored. You will be responsible for paying your policy's deductible. It is important to check your policy details to see how coverage is calculated—it may be for the full replacement cost of damaged items or the actual cash value, which accounts for depreciation. To expedite your claim, contact your insurance company immediately and have all necessary documentation ready.

Hard materials like glass, metal, and hardwood floors, washable fabrics, and undamaged electrical appliances can often be salvaged after a fire, although it depends on the extent of the damage. For washable fabrics, make sure to use a phosphate mix during the washing process to extract the smoke smell. There are a few things you should throw away after a fire, like canned foods and cosmetics, even if they don’t look like they’re damaged.

Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.

Smoke smell and odors typically will not go away completely on their own, especially once the particles have penetrated porous materials like walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. While airing out affected items can help the smell subside over time, it often lingers for months or even years. To effectively remove stubborn smoke odors, you should combine several methods. Start with a thorough deep cleaning and deodorizing using substances like baking soda or activated charcoal. Air purifiers can also help capture airborne particles. In severe cases, you may need to replace heavily damaged materials. If the smell persists after repeated treatments, consider hiring a professional smoke damage restoration company for assistance.