Fire Damage Restoration — 24/7 Emergency Service
Fire damage restoration by Quality Restoration NW LLC is available 24/7 for homes and businesses—starting with emergency board-up & tarping, water removal & drying, and smoke/soot & odor removal, then contents care and full rebuild. Serving the Puget Sound since 2000, we coordinate directly with your insurance.
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Why choose Quality Restoration NW LLC After a Fire
A local, full-cycle team serving the Puget Sound since 2000 from Tacoma to Bellingham. We stabilize fast, coordinate with your insurer, and manage the entire recovery for homes and businesses.
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One Team, Start to Finish
Emergency board-up & tarping, water removal & drying, smoke/soot & odor removal, contents care, repairs, and full rebuild—handled by one accountable contractor.
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Insurance-Ready Process
Photo documentation, scopes, and itemized estimates with direct adjuster coordination. Clear options for anything outside coverage.
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Local Experience Since 2000
Puget Sound–based crew with decades of hands-on fire jobs. We protect what can be saved and restore safely and completely.
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Fast, Careful, Transparent
24/7 response, safety-first stabilization, clean job-site practices, and regular updates—ending with a detailed final walkthrough.
About Quality Restoration NW LLC
Since 2000, Quality Restoration NW LLC has provided fire damage restoration across the Puget Sound—from Tacoma to Bellingham. We turn chaotic fire losses into a clear plan for homes and businesses, with one lead who’s accountable for scope, schedule, and communication.
On every fire job we stabilize fast, identify residue types (dry, oily, protein), protect unaffected areas with proper containment, address HVAC to prevent re-contamination, and follow a source-removal-first approach before any deodorization—then complete repairs and rebuild.
What you can expect:
- Dedicated project lead
- Residue-specific methods
- Containment & HVAC care
- Insurer-ready documentation
- Safe, livable finish
What To Do Right Now After a Fire
Safety first. These four steps help protect people, limit secondary damage, and keep your insurance claim on track.
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Step 1
Confirm It’s Safe to Re-Enter
Wait for official clearance. Watch for structural/electrical hazards, falling debris, and wet ceilings. Don’t restore power, gas, or water yourself. Keep kids and pets out.
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Step 2
Document Before You Touch Anything
Take wide room shots and close-ups of damage, including serial numbers where possible. Photograph food/appliances if power is out. Save all receipts for emergency costs.
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Step 3
Prevent Further Damage
Turn off HVAC to stop soot circulation. Close doors to unaffected rooms. Lay clean towels/plastic on walk paths. Don’t wipe soot or wash fabrics—improper cleaning sets stains and odors.
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Step 4
Call for Emergency Board-Up & Start Your Claim
Contact Quality Restoration NW LLC (24/7) for board-up/tarping, stabilization, and moisture checks from suppression water. Notify your insurer; we’ll document and coordinate directly with the adjuster so approvals move faster.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Process
Fire damage restoration is a staged sequence that prevents secondary loss and turns chaos into clear next steps. We begin by stabilizing the structure, securing openings, and setting containment to protect unaffected rooms. A targeted inspection follows—identifying residue types (dry, oily, protein), checking structural/electrical safety, and mapping any suppression moisture to guide precise drying.
From there, your project lead delivers a written scope and schedule and manages the work with source removal first, deodorization second so odors don’t return. Salvageable materials and contents are cleaned, documented, and protected; unsalvageable items are itemized for your claim. We close with repairs and rebuild, tidy site practices, and a documented final walkthrough so you know exactly what was completed and what’s next.
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Emergency Stabilization & Board-Up
Secure doors, windows, and roof openings; establish safe work zones; protect unaffected areas to prevent weather and vandalism damage.
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Inspection, Testing & Scope
Assess structural safety, identify residue types (dry, oily, protein), map moisture from suppression water, and produce a written scope with priorities and timelines.
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Water Removal & Structural Drying (as needed)
Extract standing water, set targeted drying (dehumidifiers/air movers), monitor with moisture readings, and remove unsalvageable wet materials to prevent secondary damage.
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Smoke & Soot Removal
Apply material-appropriate methods (HEPA vacuuming, dry-chem sponges, controlled wet cleaning) to lift residues without driving them deeper into surfaces.
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Odor Neutralization & Air Quality
Source removal first, then targeted deodorization and particulate control (e.g., filtration) to address persistent smoke odors the right way.
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Contents Pack-Out, Cleaning & Storage
Inventory and photograph items, separate salvage/non-salvage, clean and deodorize restorable contents, and provide short-term storage until reinstall.
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Repairs & Rebuild
Repair or replace damaged building components (drywall, insulation, trim, cabinetry, flooring, paint, fixtures). Coordinate trades and permits where required.
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Final QA & Walkthrough
Detail clean, verify readings and finishes, reinstall contents, and complete a documented walkthrough so you know exactly what was done and what’s next.
Insurance & Payment
Fire claims can feel overwhelming. We keep the process clear: you stay in control of decisions, your insurer decides coverage, and we provide the documentation, scope, and communication that help approvals move faster. Coverage varies by policy—our role is to restore and to coordinate, not to make coverage determinations. We can begin necessary
- Adjuster-ready fire docs — origin/extent photos, residue-type notes, board-up/tarp records, moisture logs (if suppression water).
- Direct adjuster coordination — line-item scope, timelines, evidence-backed supplements.
- Fire-specific mitigation — board-up/tarping, smoke/soot removal, source removal first, deodorize second.
- Contents pack-out & inventory — salvage/non-salvage with photos; short-term storage if needed.
- Transparent estimates & billing — separate mitigation vs. rebuild; milestone invoices with receipts.
- Payment basics — deductible; ACV → RCV (depreciation after completion); mortgagee endorsement if required; keep ALE receipts.
Need help with your claim?
Fire Damage Restoration for Puget Sound & the Eastside
Local crews mean faster dispatch and clear communication. Need 24/7 emergency board-up & tarping, smoke/soot & odor removal, or help with suppression-water drying? We arrive ready to secure and stabilize the loss, protect unaffected areas, and provide adjuster-ready documentation while coordinating directly with your insurer.
Available now in these communities:
- Everett
- Lynnwood
- Bothell
- Mukilteo
- Seattle
- Bellevue
- Kirkland
- Redmond
SEE ALL CITIES WE COVER
Types of Smoke & Residue — Why It Matters
Not all fire residues behave the same. Using the wrong method can set stains and lock in odors. Our plan matches the residue type to the surface so results are effective and lasting—not a quick cover-up.
Dry Smoke (fast, high-heat; wood/paper)
Light, powdery soot that travels far and lifts well when handled correctly.
Approach
- HEPA source removal and dry-cleaning sponges before any wet methods.
- Controlled alkaline cleaning where appropriate after testing.
- Gentle handling of glossy/soft finishes to avoid abrasion.
Risk if mishandled
- Pushing soot deeper into pores and micro-scratching shiny surfaces.
- Permanent shadowing that requires repainting or replacement.
Wet/Oily Smoke (slow burn; plastics, synthetics)
Sticky, smeary films with heavy odor—often from melted plastics and synthetics.
Approach
- Solvent-compatible or emulsifying cleaners after small test patches.
- Minimal agitation to avoid smearing; staged rinse and capture.
- Ventilation and capture to control VOCs during cleaning.
Risk
- Smear-set staining that increases labor and costs.
- Odors driven deeper into porous materials.
Protein Residue (kitchen fires)
Thin, nearly invisible film that yellows finishes and carries a strong, persistent odor.
Approach
- Film-removal sequence with degreasing steps and thorough rinse.
- Multiple passes on cabinets, ceilings, and HVAC returns.
- Targeted deodorization after source removal.
Risk
- “Looks clean” but odor lingers if film isn’t fully removed.
- Repainting over residue traps smell and stains.
Electrical/Plastic Combustion
Residues may be acidic and corrosive; metals, chrome, and electronics are at risk.
Approach
- Prompt neutralization and dry source removal on sensitive materials.
- Protect exposed metals and evaluate electronics for specialty cleaning.
Risk
- Rapid corrosion and etching on metal, glass, and fixtures.
- Latent failures in electronics if residues remain.
Firefighting & Extinguisher Residues
Dry chemical and wet agents leave films that require proper identification and neutralization.
Approach
- Confirm agent type; neutralize per material and manufacturer guidance.
- Thorough post-neutralization cleaning on appliances, baths, and mechanicals.
Risk
- Corrosion, surface dulling, and recurring odors if films remain.
Wildfire/Smoke Intrusion (Puget Sound context)
Fine particulates infiltrate attics, crawlspaces, and HVAC; common in regional smoke events.
Approach
- Source removal with capture/filtration; address insulation and air paths.
- HVAC filter replacement and duct cleaning strategies where appropriate.
Risk
- Re-odor and re-contamination when HVAC cycles or weather shifts.
Surface Sensitivities That Drive the Plan
- Porous vs. non-porous: masonry, raw wood, and textiles need different chemistry than glass, metal, or sealed finishes.
- Metals & glass: acidic residues can etch within hours—priority cleaning is time-critical.
- Textiles & soft goods: bag for testing/processing; avoid home laundering that can set odors.
What This Means for Your Claim
- Residue typing supports scope, line items, and salvage decisions.
- Photos and notes show why methods differ room-to-room.
- Clear documentation helps adjusters approve the right process the first time.
Smoke Odor Removal — How Quality Restoration NW LLC Solves It
Persistent smoke odor isn’t “air freshener” deep—it lives in residues, pores, voids, and air paths. Our sequence removes the source first and only then applies targeted deodorization so smells don’t return. This is the process we use for homes and businesses across the Puget Sound (Tacoma to Bellingham).
Step 1 — Diagnose the Odor Sources
We map where odor originates and travels: what burned, which residue types are present (dry, wet/oily, protein), what cavities and voids are affected, and whether suppression water introduced moisture that can carry odor.
Step 2 — Contain & Protect Unaffected Areas
We set containment and manage airflow to prevent cross-contamination. HVAC is assessed and kept off if it can spread particulates; filters are replaced later during verification.
Step 3 — Source Removal (No Cover-Ups)
- HEPA source removal and dry methods on sensitive finishes before any wet steps.
- Selective removal of charred/unsalvageable materials and debris that hold odor.
- Proper handling and bag-out so contamination isn’t tracked into clean zones.
Step 4 — Material-Specific Cleaning
- Dry soot: lift first, avoid pushing residue into pores or gloss finishes.
- Wet/oily residues: controlled chemistry and low agitation to prevent smearing.
- Protein films: film removal and rinse sequences before any painting.
- Metals/glass/electronics: priority cleaning to limit corrosion and etching.
Step 5 — Targeted Deodorization (After Cleaning)
Only after source removal do we apply deodorization matched to materials and occupancy. Hidden voids and odor reservoirs are treated so results last; sealing is used when appropriate as a final step—not a substitute for cleaning.
Step 6 — HVAC & Air Paths
- Address returns and ducts where appropriate, replace filters, and prevent re-introduction of particulates.
- Control airflow during work so odors and residues aren’t redistributed.
Step 7 — Verification & Sign-Off
- Post-clean inspection and documentation suitable for your insurer.
- Occupancy-ready walkthrough with you, noting any touch-ups before we close the project.
PNW-Specific Considerations
Wildfire smoke can infiltrate attics, crawlspaces, and HVAC. We check these areas, address insulation and air paths common in Puget Sound homes, and plan for humidity swings that can trigger re-odor if residues remain.
Contents Pack-Out & Care
After a fire, some belongings recover best off-site where light, airflow, humidity, and handling can be controlled. Quality Restoration NW LLC provides a managed pack-out service for homes and businesses across the Puget Sound—from Tacoma to Bellingham (including Everett, Lynnwood, Bothell, Mill Creek, and Marysville). Our goal is simple: protect what matters, clean it the right way, and return it when your space is truly ready.
When a Pack-Out Makes Sense
We recommend pack-out when smoke or protein residues are heavy, when suppression water has saturated contents, or when on-site work risks cross-contamination. Moving items into a controlled environment lets our team clean and deodorize more effectively while your structure is being stabilized, dried, and repaired. It also clears the work areas so demolition and rebuild can proceed safely and on schedule.
How We Document and Track Every Item
From the first box, your contents are photographed and labeled, with room-of-origin and item descriptions recorded for your claim. Large items receive individual tags and images. This documentation travels with your claim file so adjusters can see the condition before and after cleaning. Chain-of-custody is maintained through load-out, storage, and return, so you always know where things are.
Cleaning and Deodorization Methods
Different residues demand different approaches. Dry soot lifts with careful source removal before any wet cleaning; oily residues from plastics or synthetics require controlled chemistry to avoid smearing; thin protein films from kitchen fires need deliberate film removal and thorough rinse steps before any finishing. We apply the right sequence for each material so stains don’t set and odors don’t return. Only after source removal do we apply targeted deodorization, addressing hidden voids and odor reservoirs so results last.
Care for Textiles, Electronics, Documents, and Hard Contents
Textiles and soft goods are pre-sorted and test-cleaned to confirm they can be successfully restored; packaging prevents re-odor during transport and storage. Electronics and appliances are evaluated for safe, material-appropriate cleaning with priority on stopping corrosion from acidic residues. Important papers and photos are handled with gentle surface cleaning where appropriate and protected against moisture or sticking. Wood, stone, metal, and glass are cleaned with residue-specific methods, and sensitive finishes are protected from abrasion and etching.
Storage Conditions and Security
Your items are stored in an organized, labeled system with counts per box and location, and are kept under conditions that minimize re-odor risks common in Puget Sound humidity. Access requests are coordinated through your project lead so critical items can be retrieved if needed during repairs.
Return, Reinstall, and Finalization
When your structure is clean, deodorized, and construction is complete, we return and place your contents according to the inventory and room-of-origin notes. Non-salvage determinations are documented with photos and line items for your claim. You’ll receive a clear reconciliation showing what was cleaned, what was replaced, and what was not recoverable, so your records remain complete.
How This Supports Your Insurance Claim
The pack-out record—photos, item descriptions, salvage vs. non-salvage notes, and post-clean images—helps your adjuster understand the work performed and why. It also separates mitigation tasks from elective upgrades so approvals move faster and payments can follow policy terms without confusion.
HVAC & Air Ducts After a Fire — How Quality Restoration NW LLC Handles It
Smoke and soot move through returns, supplies, and mechanicals. We prevent re-odor and cross-contamination by keeping the system off, mapping air paths, cleaning or replacing the right components, and verifying on a controlled restart. We do this across the Puget Sound—from Tacoma to Bellingham (including Everett, Lynnwood, Bothell, Mill Creek, and Marysville).
Step 1 — System Off & Safety Check
We ensure HVAC remains off, inspect ceilings and returns affected by suppression water, and check for electrical and structural risks before any work begins.
Step 2 — Assessment & Plan
- Map air paths: returns, supplies, plenums, nearby cavities (attic/crawlspace).
- Identify residue types (dry, wet/oily, protein) and any moisture that can carry odor.
- Inspect coils, blower compartments, filter tracks, and accessible duct runs.
Step 3 — Containment & Source Removal
- Set containment around mechanical areas to protect clean rooms.
- Perform HEPA source removal on accessible components before any wet steps.
- Manage airflow so particulates aren’t redistributed during cleaning.
Step 4 — Clean vs. Replace (Our Criteria)
- Metal ducting: cleaned when structurally sound and accessible for capture.
- Contaminated flex duct: often more effective and economical to replace.
- Clean housings and coils when indicated; flag corrosion risks on metals early.
- Filters are replaced after cleaning, not before.
Step 5 — Controlled Restart & Verification
- Install new filters and bring the system online in stages.
- Verify no re-odor or particulate spread; address hidden odor reservoirs if detected.
- Provide photo documentation and notes suitable for your insurer.
Insurance & Coordination
- We supply photos, findings, and line items for cleaning or replacement; your insurer determines coverage.
- If replacement is required, we coordinate scheduling and any permits so rebuild stays on track.
What You Can Do Now
- Keep HVAC off until we assess the system.
- Don’t install new filters yet—new filters go in after cleaning and before controlled restart.
- Close doors to unaffected rooms to limit spread until containment is set.
Fire Damage FAQs
What should I do first after a fire?
Wait for official clearance before re-entering. Watch for structural/electrical hazards and wet ceilings. Don’t turn utilities back on yourself. When safe, photograph damage and call Quality Restoration NW LLC for emergency board-up/tarping and guidance.
Is it safe to stay in my home after a fire?
Not always. Smoke residues and unseen structural/electrical issues can make spaces unsafe. We assess safety, set containment, and advise whether temporary relocation or limited access is the better option for your family or business.
Can I turn on my HVAC after a fire?
Keep HVAC off until inspected. Running it can spread soot/odor to clean rooms and drive residues into ductwork. We map air paths, inspect components, and clean or replace the right parts before a controlled restart.
How do you remove smoke odor so it doesn’t come back?
We follow a proven sequence: source removal first (residue-specific cleaning and selective tear-out), then targeted deodorization that addresses hidden voids and air paths, and finally HVAC attention. Fragrances alone don’t work—correct process does.
What items can be cleaned and what must be replaced?
It depends on heat exposure, residue type, and material. We separate salvageable vs. non-salvageable items, document everything with photos, and explain why—so you and your adjuster can make clear decisions. Charred/structurally compromised items are typically removed.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Emergency stabilization is same-day. Mitigation and deodorization can take days to a couple of weeks depending on scope; repairs/rebuild range from weeks to months for larger projects. We give you a written schedule and milestone updates.
Should I start cleaning soot myself?
Avoid DIY cleaning on walls, textiles, and upholstery. Using water or the wrong products can set stains and odors. We use residue-specific methods (e.g., dry removal before wet steps) to prevent permanent damage.
Do you handle contents pack-out and storage?
Yes. We inventory and photograph items, separate salvage/non-salvage, clean and deodorize restorable belongings off-site when needed, provide short-term storage, then reinstall items once your space is ready.
Will my insurance cover fire damage? What about ALE (temporary housing)?
Coverage depends on your policy and cause of loss. Many policies include “Additional Living Expenses” (ALE) for hotel or rental if the home is uninhabitable. We document the loss and coordinate with your adjuster; your insurer makes coverage decisions. Keep all receipts.
Do I need board-up or roof tarping?
If openings or the roof are compromised, yes. Board-up/tarping protects against weather and vandalism and is often required by insurers to prevent further damage. We provide 24/7 response across Tacoma, Everett, Lynnwood, Bothell, Mill Creek, Marysville, and Bellingham.
Are appliances or electronics safe to use after smoke exposure?
Don’t power them up until evaluated. Corrosive residues can cause latent failures. We document condition, clean where appropriate, and advise when specialty electronics restoration or replacement is the safer choice.
Who do I call for fire damage restoration right now?
Call Quality Restoration NW LLC — (206) 787-0291. 24/7 emergency board-up, stabilization, smoke/soot cleanup, and insurer coordination across the Puget Sound region.
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Tell us what happened and where. We’ll review your situation, outline next steps, and schedule an on-site assessment. If this is an emergency, call anytime — we’re ready to help.
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