How to Handle a Fire in a Multi-Unit Building?

The fire department will tell you when the building is safe to re-enter. In a multi-unit building, the building owner or manager is responsible for coordinating repairs. Fire damage often involves smoke residue, soot, and water from firefighting efforts. These can affect walls, floors, and personal items.

You can contact local water damage pros for help with cleaning up soot and water after the fire. They can also address structural drying if the building is damp. However, the owner or manager usually hires the restoration professionals. You should focus on your own unit and belongings.

Walk through your unit with a flashlight and take photos of damage.

List items that are damaged, including furniture and clothing.

Keep receipts for any emergency purchases, like toiletries.

Throw away food that may have smoke or heat damage.

Do not touch soot or attempt to clean large areas yourself.

Smoke and soot can spread through the entire building, even if the fire was contained to one unit. Soot is greasy and can stain walls, ceilings, and fabrics. Professional cleaning often involves special equipment and techniques to remove soot without spreading it further.

The pros can clean soot and also handle water damage from firefighting. They use industrial air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to remove odors and moisture. If the building has shared walls or ductwork, smoke can affect neighboring units, so the pros may need to inspect several areas.

Open windows only after the fire department says it is safe.

Wipe hard surfaces with a dry sponge or cloth, not water.

Do not use your HVAC system until it has been inspected.

Launder washable fabrics with a heavy-duty detergent.

Leave deep cleaning and odor removal to the pros.