Tag Archive for: fire damage

Fire Damage Doesn’t Stop When the Flames Are Out

When a fire is extinguished, it may seem like the worst is over. However, the damage often continues. While flames cause immediate destruction, smoke, soot, and water can lead to longer-lasting problems.

What Happens After the Fire

Smoke spreads beyond the area where the fire started, travelling through rooms, vents, and ceilings. Soot settles on surfaces, sometimes in unexpected places. Additionally, water used to extinguish the fire can soak into materials, creating a second layer of damage.

The Hidden Impact

After a fire, you may encounter the following issues:

  • Lingering smoke odours
  • Soot stains on walls and ceilings
  • Corrosion on metal surfaces
  • Trapped moisture within structures

These problems can develop even after the fire has been put out.

Why Quick Action Matters

The longer smoke and moisture remain, the more damage they cause. Soot can lead to permanent stains, moisture can promote mould growth, and odours become harder to eliminate. Swift cleaning and drying can significantly reduce long-term impacts.

Restoring the Property Properly

Fire damage restoration involves more than simply clearing debris. It requires thorough cleaning, deodorising, drying, and repairing affected areas. Without proper restoration, issues can persist beneath the surface.

Getting the Right Support

ServiceMaster Restore offers fire and smoke damage cleaning and restoration services across the UK. Our professional teams assess the full extent of the damage and begin work quickly to prevent further complications.

If your property has been affected by fire, call 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can assist you.

Restoring Customer-Facing Spaces After Fire or Flood Damage

Restoring customer-facing spaces after fire or flood damage is our speciality. It’s not just about fixing the problem. It’s about how quickly you can reopen, how the space looks, and what customers see when they return.

Fire or flood damage rarely remains isolated. Water spreads, smoke lingers, and surfaces can become stained. Even if the visible damage appears limited, its impact on appearance and safety can be broader than anticipated.

Why First Impressions Matter More After Damage

Customers notice changes right away. A lingering odour, a stained ceiling, or damaged flooring can diminish trust. Even minor signs of damage can raise concerns about safety and standards.

In retail, hospitality, and healthcare environments, presentation is directly linked to customer confidence.

The Challenges of Restoring Public Spaces

Restoring customer-facing areas involves more than just basic repairs. You need to ensure:

  • A clean, safe environment
  • No visible signs of damage
  • Minimal disruption to operation
  • A swift return to normalcy

Achieving this balance can be challenging, especially when damage extends beyond what is initially visible.

Why Speed and Quality Both Matter

Acting quickly helps limit further damage, while performing repairs correctly ensures satisfactory results. Rushing repairs without adequate drying or cleaning can lead to:

  • Lingering odours from smoke or dampness
  • Stains that resurface
  • Hidden moisture that can cause mould

Restoration must address both the visible aspects for customers and the hidden issues beneath the surface.

Getting Back to Business

Professional restoration focuses on returning spaces to a safe and presentable condition as quickly as possible. This process includes cleaning, drying, deodorising, and repairing the affected areas.

ServiceMaster Restore collaborates with businesses across the UK to restore customer-facing environments after fire or flood damage. Our teams act quickly and prioritise both safety and presentation.

If your premises have been affected, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to learn how we can assist you. When damage occurs in customer-facing spaces, the urgency to address it is immediate. It’s not just about fixing the issue; it’s also about how quickly you can reopen, the space’s appearance, and what customers will notice when they return.

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Case study: Emergency fire and smoke remediation

Emergency fire and smoke remediation restoration for a vulnerable resident.

This case study from ServiceMaster Clean Devon highlights the importance of fast, specialist intervention after a domestic fire. When smoke and soot damage threaten both a property and the wellbeing of its occupant, speed, expertise and sensitivity are critical. In this instance, our team restored the home safely and quickly, allowing the vulnerable resident to remain in familiar surroundings during an already distressing situation.

The challenge

Following an electrical fault in a kitchen kettle, a local flat suffered significant fire and smoke damage throughout the kitchen, living room, and hallway.

The situation was particularly sensitive, as the resident was an elderly, vulnerable person whose primary wish was to remain in their home. In incidents involving heavy soot and smoke, relocation is often a lengthy and distressing necessity. Our mission was clear: to restore the environment to a safe, liveable condition immediately, preventing the resident from having to move out.

Our response

Speed is the most critical factor in fire restoration as the acidic nature of soot can cause permanent “secondary damage” to fixtures within hours. We responded the same day.

  • Arrival: Once the electricians and gas engineers declared the site safe, ServiceMaster was on-site within just 2 hours of initial contact.
  • Immediate action: Our team focused on high-risk surfaces, including chrome-plated taps, plastic electrical fittings, and kitchen units, which are most susceptible to soot corrosion.

The solution

We employed a multi-stage restoration process to ensure the property was not just “clean,” but medically safe and odour-free:

  1. Dry recovery: We began by vacuuming all surfaces using specialised equipment. This process removed approximately 80% of loose soot contamination without smearing it into the substrates.
  2. Chemical remediation: After the dry cleaning, we used professional-grade soot sponges and ServiceMaster restoration agents to clean all suitable surfaces.
  3. Stability: This process eliminated residual contamination and neutralised the acidic soot, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination and lingering smoke odours.

The outcome

The efficiency of our team enabled an industry-leading turnaround:

  • Day 1 (within 24 hours): The property was soot-free, sanitised, and liveable, allowing the resident to stay in their home and avoid the trauma of relocation.
  • Day 2: All surfaces were fully prepared for the next phase. While some permanent staining remained, the structure was clean and ready for stain-blocking and redecoration.

By arriving within hours and completing the structural clean within a day, we didn’t just restore a property; we protected a resident’s independence amid a high-stress crisis.

For specialist and rapid-fire clearance and cleaning, contact the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

 

What to Do After Fire or Smoke Damage in Winter

Fire and smoke damage can be distressing at any time of year. During winter, it becomes even more difficult to manage. Cold weather, restricted ventilation, and extended drying times all contribute to the difficulty. Knowing what steps to take after a fire helps safeguard your property and prevents further damage.

The most important thing is to act quickly, but safely.

Step 1: Make Sure the Property Is Safe

Do not re-enter the property until the fire service declares it safe. Fire can weaken floors, ceilings, and walls. Even small fires may cause hidden structural damage.

If you smell gas or see damaged electrical wiring, stay outside and contact the relevant emergency service.

Step 2: Limit Further Damage

Once it is safe, take steps to prevent further damage.

  • Ventilate the property where possible by opening windows and doors briefly to release smoke odours.
  • Cover damaged areas if the weather permits.
  • Remove unaffected belongings from smoky rooms.
  • In winter, avoid leaving windows open for extended periods, as cold air slows drying and increases condensation.

Step 3: Avoid DIY Cleaning

Smoke residue and soot spread easily. Wiping surfaces without the proper products can push soot further into materials and cause stains to become permanent.

Soot contains dangerous particles. Inhaling them can irritate the lungs and eyes. Professional fire and smoke damage cleaning removes contamination safely and effectively.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurer Early

Notify your insurer promptly. Take photographs of all visible damage and record what has been affected. Do not dispose of any items until they have been inspected.

Your insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the damage and advise on next steps.

Step 5: Start the Restoration Process

Fire damage restoration during winter takes longer. Cold air hampers drying, and smoke odours persist. Specialist equipment is required to clean, dry, and deodorise affected areas.

Professional restoration helps prevent long-term problems like corrosion, staining, and mould growth.

Why Winter Makes Fire and Smoke Damage Worse

In colder months, properties remain closed. Smoke particles settle further into soft furnishings, walls, and insulation. Moisture from firefighting can freeze or cause condensation, resulting in secondary water damage.

This makes prompt, professional intervention essential.

When to Get Professional Help

If your property has experienced fire or smoke damage in winter or at any time of year, expert support is essential. Proper cleaning, drying, and deodorising help protect both the building and the health of those living or working there. ServiceMaster Restore offers fire and smoke damage restoration nationwide in the UK.

Our teams work throughout the year and are familiar with the challenges brought by winter conditions.

If you need help after a fire, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help today.

How to Dispose of Your Real Christmas Tree After the Holidays

Many people wonder how to properly dispose of their Christmas tree after taking down the decorations.

While a real tree looks beautiful in December, it dries out quickly once the holiday festivities are over. If you leave it for too long, the needles will start to drop, the trunk may become brittle, and the risk of fire will increase. The best course of action is to safely remove the tree and dispose of it appropriately for your home and local area.

Many people are uncertain about what to do with a real Christmas tree after the holidays. Here are the most practical and sensible options.

1. Use your council recycling scheme

Most councils collect real Christmas trees in January. Some ask you to place your tree next to your garden waste bin, while others provide designated drop-off points. The collected trees are processed into compost or wood chippings. This process is straightforward and helps keep the trees out of landfills. Be sure to check your local council’s website for specific dates and instructions.

2. Take it to a local recycling centre

If you prefer to deal with the tree straight away, you can bring it to your nearest recycling centre. They often have a separate section for garden waste. This is useful if your council collection is later than you would like.

3. Cut it up for your own garden use

If you have enough space, you can cut the tree into smaller pieces. The branches can be used as mulch around flower beds, while the trunk can be chopped into logs and left to dry. Avoid burning wood indoors, as fresh pine produces significant smoke and sap. Instead, let it dry for outdoor use later in the year.

4. Check for local charity collections

Some charities collect real Christmas trees for a small donation, making it an easy option that supports a good cause. Many hospice organisations run these collections each January.

5. Remove it as soon as possible

A dry Christmas tree poses a fire risk. After just a couple of weeks indoors, especially in warm rooms, the needles can dry out and become more flammable. Once the holiday season is over, it’s important to move the tree outside immediately. Even a short delay increases the risk of fire, especially if the tree remains close to heaters or lights.

6. Clean the area once the tree is gone

Real Christmas trees can leave behind sap, loose needles, and dust. A quick cleanup helps prevent mould, odours, and staining. Be sure to check the floor, skirting boards, and nearby walls for any marks or moisture.

Real Christmas trees bring life and colour to the season, but they need to be handled safely once the holidays are over. Quick removal reduces fire risks and keeps your home tidy. If you spot any signs of damp, smoke staining or accidental damage after the festive period, help is available.

ServiceMaster Restore can support you with smoke, fire or water issues at any time of year. Our teams act fast and keep your home safe during winter.

Call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help today.

The Dangers Christmas Tree Fires and How to Avoid One

It’s easy to forget how much a Christmas tree can dry out indoors. One day it’s green and fresh, and the next it feels brittle, dropping needles everywhere. Add warm lights, dry air, and the occasional candle nearby, and suddenly you’ve got a serious fire risk sitting in the corner of your living room.

It may sound dramatic, but Christmas tree fires do occur, and quickly.

Radiant heat from a fire can ignite nearby objects alarmingly quickly. With a dry Christmas tree, flames can spread across the room in less than a minute. Even without direct contact, the intense heat from open flames or a fireplace can cause the needles to dry, smoke, and ignite.

Once the tree catches fire, it burns with extreme speed and temperature, dispersing flames, smoke, and toxic gases throughout the space almost instantly. Keeping your tree well away from open fires, candles, or stoves is one of the simplest and most effective Christmas tree fire safety measures you can take.

Here’s how to keep your home safe while still enjoying all the sparkle of the season.

1. Keep your tree watered

If you’ve got a real tree, treat it like a houseplant that drinks a lot more than you’d expect. A dry tree is like tinder. Make sure the stand always has water, and top it up daily. Once the base dries out, the trunk seals, and it stops absorbing moisture altogether.

2. Check your fairy lights

Old or damaged lights are one of the biggest culprits in Christmas tree fires. Before you plug them in, inspect for frayed wires, cracked bulbs, or loose connections. Use LED lights where possible — they stay cooler and use less electricity.

3. Don’t overload plug sockets

With lights, decorations, and maybe a few extra gadgets around, it’s tempting to use extension leads everywhere. Try not to. Too many plugs in one socket can overheat and start a fire.

4. Keep the tree away from heat sources

Avoid placing it near radiators, fireplaces, or candles. Even a few feet can make a difference. If you light candles nearby, never leave them unattended — it’s an easy mistake that causes hundreds of fires every year.

5. Switch off at night

It’s simple but often forgotten. Always turn off Christmas lights before bed or when you leave the house. You’ll save energy too, which is a bonus.

6. Know when it’s time to say goodbye

Once Christmas is over, don’t leave your tree sitting there until February. As it dries, the fire risk only increases. Dispose of it through local recycling schemes or garden waste collections.

Even with all the right precautions, accidents can still happen. If fire or smoke ever damages your home,  is here 24/7 to help. Our technicians can clean, repair, and restore your property quickly and safely, so you can focus on getting life back to normal.

For urgent help or advice, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business.

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Bonfire Night safety tips

How to have a safe bonfire night.

It’s vital to know Bonfire Night safety tips before enjoying the celebrations.

Read on for some helpful Bonfire Night safety tips to keep you, your family and friends safe this Bonfire Night.

Did you know that the Fire Brigade attends thousands of out-of-control bonfires each year?

Help to keep the Fire Brigade accessible for fires that can’t be prevented by following these simple Bonfire Night safety tips:

Bonfire Safety Tips

  • Check there is no wildlife or pets where you build your bonfire
  • Build your bonfire clear away from buildings, sheds, fences and hedges
  • Don’t light your bonfire with flammable liquids
  • Don’t burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, batteries or foam-filled furniture
  • Always have clear access to plenty of water in case you need to use it (buckets/hose pipe)
  • Never leave a bonfire unattended, and ensure it is damped out when finished

To prevent smoke from entering your home, ensure that windows are closed and doors are shut.

Any clothing worn for the bonfire should ideally be washed quickly to avoid the smell entering your home.

Need smoke or fire and smoke restoration?

Call emergency services immediately if you are unfortunate enough to be impacted by a spreading bonfire.

Our fire and smoke damage restoration experts at ServiceMaster Restore can help with the aftermath and restoration.

For 24/7 professional fire and smoke restoration services, call 0845 762 6828

Brokers to the Rescue: Have the right solution for policyholders

Most of the time, your policyholders need a hero. As a broker, you want that to be you.

But claims teams have a significant burden to manage. You have to process claims quickly and efficiently while maintaining effective communication in rapidly evolving and complex situations. This balancing act can be daunting. Not to mention, a lack of visibility and collaboration among different processes and parties can hinder your ability to deliver the prompt and straightforward resolutions that policyholders expect.

That’s where we come in.

ServiceMaster Restore is a UK-wide disaster recovery and specialist cleaning company with over 65 years of experience as part of the global ServiceMaster brand. We have the resources to handle any disaster restoration task, no matter how challenging, and assist you in becoming the local heroes their policyholders need.

Our professionals work alongside insurance-approved providers to streamline the claims process, cutting through the red tape that can delay crucial assistance when it matters most, so you can be the local hero your policyholders need in a crisis.

ServiceMaster Restore Connect

ServiceMaster Restore Connect is our UK-wide network of approved suppliers that allows us to connect with some of the UK’s most reputable trade experts and contractors, helping when it is needed most.

Through our ‘Connect’ network, we collaborate with top industry professionals to offer a comprehensive end-to-end solution for any restoration project. Your policyholders benefit not only from our 65+ years of expertise in delivering excellent disaster restoration services but also from access to expert-approved suppliers in various fields, including:

  • Drainage Solutions
  • Pest Control
  • Plumbing, Water & Heating
  • Electrical and Lighting
  • Refurbishment and Reinstatement work (painting and decorating)
  • Furniture and Upholstery Repairs
  • Building Repairs
  • Roofing
  • Floor Covering, Boarding & Scaffolding
  • Waste Management
  • Landscaping

In a crisis, time is money.

As our “Connect” network expands, we can support our customers in more ways, saying yes to more jobs and ensuring your policyholders receive the help they need when it matters most.

Whether for commercial or domestic properties, ServiceMaster Restore Connect seamlessly integrates with our services, bringing together vetted and approved local experts in various trades. No matter where you are in the country, you can trust ServiceMaster Restore to have an expert at your door the same day.

Our end-to-end solution mitigates damage and manages the reporting and completion of all restoration work, allowing you to dedicate more time to your customers while knowing that each client is being taken care of. For brokers, Restore Plus offers a risk-free experience for customers using our services. When making a claim, we work within their excess and report directly before an insurer can attend.

Together, ServiceMaster Restore and Connect ensure our local experts are available quickly to deliver professional solutions, sometimes even preventing the need for a claim.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

Through our exclusive ServiceMaster Restore Plus offering, we provide a service that meets the diverse needs of different sectors. We guarantee same-day callouts, exceptional service, and reduced claims costs. With a network of restoration specialists providing guaranteed same-day responses, Restore Plus is an invaluable asset for you and your customers. Just one phone call is all it takes to have a professional on-site the same day, eliminating the lengthy and costly claims processes. When disaster strikes, we’ve got you fully covered!

Comprehensive Nationwide Coverage

As a nationwide leader, we operate through locally owned franchises with team members who are part of the communities we serve. Our teams understand that challenging situations require compassion and swift action.

That’s why our services are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether it’s fire, flood, mould, trauma, or vandalism restoration, our skilled technicians across the UK are trained to use the right techniques for each scenario, guaranteeing effective and efficient results.

Ready to connect?

Join the supply chain for premium end-to-end claims management and disaster restoration solutions from an industry-leading brand with over 65 years of providing evolving and expert services across the UK.

Sign up for ServiceMaster Restore Connect and ServiceMaster Restore Plus and get connected to more local opportunities and be the hero your policyholders need. It’s easy and (not to mention) free!

Or, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

How to add value for policyholders at no extra cost

How ServiceMaster Restore can support you and your policyholders when you need it most.

When your policyholders face a disaster, one of their biggest concerns is cost. As a broker, this is a concern you share. You’ll also want to minimise the cost of restoration work, no matter how complex.

Extra disaster restoration costs often arise from delays or third-party contractors. That’s why, at ServiceMaster Restore, we’ve reduced the costs of restoration work through approved networks to save you and your policyholders time and money.

Let’s see how.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

In disaster restoration, time is money, so saving time means saving costs. Your policyholders want to know that they can return to their property as soon as possible.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus is a hassle-free addition to your existing coverage. It caters to the diverse needs across sectors to ensure guaranteed same-day callouts, exceptional service, and cheaper claims costs.

How?

Restore Plus is our network of restoration specialists. Being part of it means that with one phone call through our 24/7 Priority Line, you can arrange for someone to be on-site the same day. With Restore Plus, lengthy and costly claims processes are a thing of the past. As soon as disaster strikes, we’ve got you and your policyholders covered.

ServiceMaster Restore Connect

ServiceMaster Restore Connect is our official supplier network, joining you, your policyholders and us with the nation’s most reputable trade experts and contractors.

Through this network, we offer a complete end-to-end solution for restoration work. Whether for a commercial or domestic property, ServiceMaster Restore Connect is a seamless integration of our services that brings together local experts in various trades. So, no matter where you are in the country, you can trust we’ll have an expert at the door the same day.

When your policyholders contact ServiceMaster Restore UK, they’re not only benefiting from 65+ years of experience delivering premium disaster restoration services, but also from approved suppliers that allow us to support on…

  • Drainage Solutions
  • Building Repairs
  • Electrical and Lighting
  • Floor covering, Boarding & Scaffolding
  • Furniture and Upholstery Repairs
  • Plumbing, Water & Heating
  • Refurbishment and Reinstatement work (painting and decorating)
  • Roofing
  • Landscaping
  • Waste Management
  • Pest Control

And we’re not done. As the portfolio of approved suppliers grows, we can support our customers in more ways, ensuring all policyholders get the right help when they need it most.

Choosing ServiceMaster Restore means choosing an end-to-end solution that can mitigate damage, report and complete all restoration works. So, you can spend more time with your policyholders, knowing each client is being looked after, as Restore Plus also means they use our services risk-free. When making a claim, we work within their excess and report before an insurer has even attended the property.

Combined, ServiceMaster Restore and Connect ensure our local experts can be on hand fast to deliver professional solutions. All while making you the hero, by providing great value at a speed that saves time and money.

See the value of a comprehensive restoration service

Join the supply chain for premium end-to-end claims management and disaster restoration solutions from an industry-leading brand with over 65 years of providing evolving and expert services across the UK.

Sign up for ServiceMaster Restore Connect and ServiceMaster Restore Plus and get connected to more local opportunities and be the hero your policyholders need. It’s easy and (not to mention) free!

Or, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

3 Crucial Home Fire Safety Tips

A home fire occurs every 15 minutes in the UK, the equivalent of approximately 93 per day, adding up to over 34,000 a year. These fires result in thousands of deaths and injuries each year, along with billions in property damage. While the numbers are alarming, some of the harm caused by residential fires is avoidable.

A strong home fire safety plan can improve your policyholders’ chances of escaping a fire safely and, in some cases, it may help them avoid one altogether. Share these three important tips on fire safety with your policyholders to help spread awareness.

The best way to stay safe from fires is to stop them from occurring in the first place. Start by implementing these fire safety tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore.

Home Fire Prevention

  • Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. If you’re using a portable heater, keep it at least three feet away from flammable objects like furniture, blankets, electronics, and anything combustible.
  • Don’t leave flames or smoking materials unattended, including fireplaces, stovetops, candles and cigarettes. Avoid smoking indoors, and never smoke in bed. The majority of avoidable deaths from home fires are caused by smoking in the UK.
  • Fix or replace frayed electrical cords or wires.
  • Don’t overload plug sockets or extension cables.
  • Have your chimney periodically inspected and kept in good working order.
  • Make sure everyone in the household understands the importance of home fire safety and observes fire-safe habits, including your kids.

Home Fire Safety Equipment

A good home fire safety plan includes having the right supplies and safety equipment on hand. These tools will be your first line of defence in the event of a fire, and they can dramatically improve your ability to react effectively.

  • Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
  • Inspect and maintain your smoke alarms.
  • A fire extinguisher can keep small, containable fires from growing out of control. Have an extinguisher or fire blanket handy whenever you use cooking or heating equipment.

Fire Safety Planning

During an emergency, reaction time is critical. Beyond the equipment you need, everyone in your household should know what to do if a fire starts. Here are some tips to get you started:

Create a fire safety plan that establishes at least two escape routes and a safe location away from the home where everyone can meet.

  • Make an emergency communications plan to stay in contact during and after a fire.
  • Practice your escape plan twice a year so everyone can act quickly when it counts.
  • Teach children how and when to call 999.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

Don’t let a fire catch your policyholders off guard. The right preparations and an effective home fire safety plan can mitigate the risk of injury or damage during a residential fire or help prevent a fire emergency altogether.

If disaster does strike, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help your policyholders through the traumatic event of a home fire. With over 65 years of industry experience, you can count on us to provide your policyholders with the peace of mind they need.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or call our 24/7 response line on 0800 021 3970 to see how your local experts can help you.