Smoke is the collection of airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases. In fact, the most dangerous components of smoke are the invisible gases present during the fire.  Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of indoor fires. The smoke kills by a combination of thermal damage, poisoning and pulmonary irritation caused by carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and other combustion products.   After the fire, the gases disperse but the smoke solids and liquids remain on exposed surfaces. These deposits are more accurately called "fire residues."
 
Fire residues vary in character. Some appear as dry particles, others as smeary flakes; still others are sticky and viscous. The type of residue depends on the items that burned and their rate of combustion. Smoke residues often emit obnoxious odors which persist long after the fire.

Types of Fires

• Protein Fire – This type of fire typically involves stove-top grease fires, burned and charred meat, along with most fires where living tissue or hair is involved would be classified as protein fires.
• Wood and Paper Fire - This type of fires involves a paper product or wood being consumed such as fireplace puff-backs, most trash can fires and general home fires where mostly the wood structure is involved.
• Synthetic Fire – Synthetic fires would include fires consuming carpeting and upholstered furnishings, electrical fires, and fires where plastic materials have been burned.
• Most home fires will be a combination of wood and synthetic types.

Even when the fire is out, the damage continues. Much of the material found in furniture and flooring is synthetic and when burned, it can start a variety of complex chemical reactions. After only a few days, these items go from cleanable to unsalvageable. The professionals of ServiceMaster by Cox in the Bullhead City, Kingman and Mohave County areas are experts in understanding the chemical combinations that can effectively clean and salvage belongings. We can even remove soot from at-risk items such as brass, aluminum, chrome, marble, tile, and porcelain as well as fabrics in upholstery and carpet, thus helping to avoid additional expenses.

ServiceMaster by Cox in the Bullhead City, Kingman and Mohave County areas uses the latest equipment and supplies in our five-step fire and smoke restoration process:

In addition to the damage caused by the actual flames of a fire and the immense heat that can reach portions of the structure not directly affected by the flames themselves, household fires usually contain hundreds of noxious chemicals which can saturate the items within the structure as well as the structure itself. This smell is unpleasant for anyone, but is especially unbearable for anyone who has recently experienced a fire because it will often immediately trigger a powerful recollection of the tragedy.  To minimize loss, know what to do right from the start. Prompt action can lower overall costs, as well as save valuable possessions that might otherwise be lost.

Steps you should follow in the aftermath of a home fire ...

Steps that you can expect ServiceMaster by Cox to take when handling your fire damage ...

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