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What Should I Do First After a House Fire?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Safety Comes First

If you are inside when a fire starts, get out immediately. Do not stop to grab belongings. Once you are outside, stay outside. Do not go back in for pets or valuables until emergency responders say it is safe.

Call 911 as soon as you are a safe distance away. If a neighbor called already, confirm that help has been notified. Do not assume the fire is out. Even a small fire can spread quickly or flare up again.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company should be among your first calls after the fire is out. They will guide you on what to document and what to do next. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Ask them directly about your coverage for fire, smoke, and water damage from firefighting efforts.

Take photos of the damage before you clean anything. Record the date and time of the fire. Keep receipts for any emergency purchases like a hotel stay or new clothes. This paperwork helps when you file your claim.

  • Document all visible damage with photos and videos
  • List items that were destroyed or damaged
  • Keep receipts for temporary housing and essentials
  • Ask your insurer about coverage for smoke and water damage
  • Do not throw away damaged items until your insurer says it is okay

Secure Your Home

After the fire department clears the scene, you can take steps to protect your home from further harm. Board up broken windows and cover holes in the roof with a tarp. This keeps rain, animals, and trespassers out. Sealing these openings matters because weather can change quickly.

Turn off your water main and electricity if it is safe to do so. Fire can damage pipes and wiring. Do not touch anything that looks burnt or melted. A plumber or an electrician can check those systems before you turn them back on.

Handle Smoke and Soot

Smoke and soot can settle into walls, ceilings, and furniture. Do not try to clean soot yourself with household cleaners. You can worsen the staining. Open windows to air out the house if the fire department allows it, but do not run fans until a professional checks for loose debris.

The pros often use specialized equipment to remove soot and neutralize smoke odor. That work includes cleaning ducts, wiping down surfaces, and treating fabrics. You may also need structural drying and dehumidification if water was used to fight the fire.

Ask your insurance company about smoke and soot cleanup. They can tell you what steps they expect you to take and what a professional should handle.

Find the Right Help

Fire damage often brings water damage too. Fire hoses and sprinklers can leave your home soaked. That moisture can soak into subfloors, drywall, and insulation. If you have wet materials, you need to dry them quickly to prevent mold.

Local water damage pros can help with water extraction and structural drying. They can also map moisture levels to find hidden wet spots. For mold concerns, a mold professional can assess the situation. Do not delay, because mold can grow within a day or two.

If you need help with water damage after a fire, the pros can inspect your home and remove standing water. They can also dry out walls and floors. You can find more about these services on the related pages below.

Water damage does not wait

Phones are answered 24/7 for Columbus and nearby communities.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I go back inside to grab important documents?

No. Do not re-enter a burning or recently burned structure until a fire official gives you permission. The structure may be unstable, and smoke or toxic fumes can be dangerous. Wait for the all-clear, then ask an official to accompany you if possible.

Should I clean soot off my walls myself?

Avoid cleaning soot yourself. Household cleaners can smear the soot and push it deeper into surfaces. The pros have specialized vacuums, sponges, and chemicals to remove soot safely. Ask your insurance company what cleanup steps they expect you to take.

What if there is water damage from the fire hoses?

Water damage from firefighting is common. You need to remove standing water and dry out wet materials quickly to prevent mold. The pros can do water extraction and structural drying. Also, contact your insurer about coverage for this secondary damage.

Call Now (614) 412-4391