Negative Effects of Fire Damage

Soot Contamination

If you were to enter a home after a fire has been put out, you’ll notice a fine black residue covering the surfaces – both in the areas of the home that the flames affected and in other rooms that didn’t have flame damage. This is called soot, and it comes from the burning of organic matter.

Soot can be difficult to clean up because the particles are not only very fine but also sticky in nature. While you might be able to wipe soot off of hard surfaces, like counters and tile flooring, it can seep into porous materials, like upholstery, clothing, and unsealed wood. As a fire damage restoration professional, I’d use specialized equipment and techniques, like chemical dry cleaning and abrasives as required.

Structural Damage

Once the flames are extinguished, the home will need to be inspected for structural integrity. This will initially be done by the fire department, who will check to be sure it’s safe to walk around inside of the home before anyone will be allowed to enter. There will usually be obvious signs of destruction, like broken wooden supports, cracked windows, and burned-through walls.

Other structural issues can be present that you might not see right away. The heat from fire can cause concrete to expand and crack, for example, which could lead to collapse if it’s not repaired. Steel beams that you don’t see from inside the house can be warped or otherwise damaged. Never enter a home that’s had a fire unless you’re sure it’s been checked for safety.

Electrical Damage

Your electrical systems are vulnerable to fire damage, since heat can melt wiring and components. Even more troubling, electrical failures after a fire can actually lead to a second fire. In some cases, the fire might not damage the actual wires themselves but could damage the insulation, which can increase the risk of a short circuit or even another fire.

After a fire, part of the restoration and safety efforts will be spent on inspecting and testing the electrical system. We might need to have the home rewired or have the electrical system updated to conform with current safety standards.

Health Effects

One of the most dangerous effects of a house fire is the risk to your health and the health of your family. The dangers range from burns from the flames, the risks of smoke and soot inhalation, and the exposure to any toxic chemicals that may have been released during the fire as items combusted and melted.

You might experience issues, like trouble breathing, heart problems, skin irritation, headaches, and nausea. In some cases, depending on what you were exposed to, your risk of cancer might increase. There are also mental health issues, such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression, which could stem from the trauma of a house fire and the aftermath of the recovery process.

Coping Methods

The American Psychological Association explains that people often suffer various emotions and could have long-term mental health effects from a fire. They recommend some coping mechanisms, including:

• Following self-care practices, like exercising regularly and meditation
• Talking to your friends, family, or a therapist
• Taking advantage of any supports offered by your community
• Postponing major life decisions until some time has passed
• Eating well and getting enough rest
• Sticking to a normal routine to the extent possible

If you’re having trouble coping or have family members who are struggling, seek professional help to assist you in getting through this difficult time.

Conclusion

A house fire can have many negative effects ranging from property damage to health issues. Immediately following a fire, once you’re sure everyone is out safe, please give my team a call if you’re in the St. George area. We’ll come out and perform an inspection as soon as it's safe for us to do so, and we’ll walk you through the fire damage restoration process. You don't have to face this alone.

Source

• https://www.apa.org/topics/disasters-response/residential-fire