If anything is still burning, call 911 first. This page is about what comes after the fire is out and the fire department says the home is safe to enter.
Even a small kitchen, dryer, or fireplace fire can spread soot through the HVAC system and leave smoke odor in carpet, cabinets, and clothing. Larger fires add a second problem: water. Hoses can soak floors, walls, and contents, and that water needs the same fast drying as any other water damage.
What fire restoration usually covers
- Boarding up broken windows and tarping roof openings
- Removing water left by firefighting and drying the structure
- Soot cleanup on walls, ceilings, cabinets, and belongings
- Odor treatment, which may include air scrubbers or other deodorizing methods
- HVAC filter changes, duct cleaning, and evaporative cooler pad replacement when needed
- Inventory and pack-out of belongings for cleaning or claims
Wildfire smoke in New Mexico
New Mexico has seen very large wildfires. The 2011 Las Conchas Fire in the Jemez Mountains, which burned land in Sandoval County, grew to more than 156,000 acres, and the 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire became the largest in state history at more than 340,000 acres. Even homes far from the flames can pick up smoke odor and fine ash, and evaporative coolers can pull smoky outdoor air straight inside. If smoke got into your home, a restoration provider can assess cleaning and odor treatment.
Do’s and don’ts after a fire
- Do wait for the fire department to say the home is safe.
- Do photograph damage before cleaning anything.
- Do contact your insurer early; fire losses usually involve an adjuster.
- Don’t wipe soot off walls with a wet rag; it can smear and set the stain.
- Don’t run the furnace, AC, or swamp cooler until filters, pads, and ducts are checked.
- Don’t eat food or use medicine that was exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
Get a referral
Call {{PHONE}}. Tell us what burned, how much of the home has smoke or soot, and whether water was used to put it out. We will try to connect you with an independent fire restoration provider. Wet materials left behind can lead to mold, so ask about drying too.
Sources: National Park Service and USGS (Las Conchas Fire); Albuquerque Journal, “The 5 largest wildfires in New Mexico history” (Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire).
Quick answers
Can smoke odor be removed?
Often, yes, but it usually takes more than air fresheners. Providers clean soot from surfaces and use deodorizing equipment. Some heavily affected materials need to be replaced.
Why is there water damage after a fire?
Firefighting water can soak a home. That water needs to be extracted and dried quickly like any other water loss.