Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration in Redlands
Smoke and fire damage restoration in Redlands, CA, with care for Victorian and Craftsman homes. Soot and odor removal, contents cleaning and rebuild. 24/7.
Redlands has some of the most treasured older homes in the Inland Empire, from Queen Anne Victorians in the Smiley Park Historic District to Craftsman bungalows built after about 1908. When smoke gets into a house like that, the goal isn't just to make it smell better. It's to save the plaster, old-growth wood floors and original trim that can't be replaced off a shelf.
The city's edges face wildfire, too. The 2017 Palmer Fire triggered evacuations in Redlands, and in 2020 the Bruder Fire near San Timoteo Canyon forced about 50 homes to evacuate. First Call Plumbing & Restoration cleans up after house fires and wildfire smoke alike. Our IICRC-certified techs use ANSI/IICRC S700 as their guide and drive over from our office in neighboring San Bernardino.
Serving Redlands 24/7
- A real person answers, day or night
- Up-front pricing before any work
- CSLB Lic. #798425
- IICRC-certified restoration crews
What's different about fire & smoke damage restoration in Redlands
Historic finishes that absorb smoke
Lath-and-plaster walls, unpainted woodwork and old floors are porous, and smoke residue works its way into them. Harsh cleaning can strip a finish or leave streaks, so we test methods on a small area first and choose the gentlest one that actually removes the residue.
Raised floors and firefighting water
Many older Redlands homes sit on raised foundations. Water used to put out a fire can run through the floor into the crawlspace, where it soaks joists and subfloor out of sight. That space has to be dried and checked with moisture meters, or mold can follow the smoke damage.
Lead paint in pre-1978 homes
Most of the city's historic housing predates 1978, so lead-based paint may be somewhere under the layers. Charred or soot-damaged painted materials need to come out in a way that accounts for that, rather than being sanded or scraped carelessly.
Canyons and hills on the south and east
Homes near San Timoteo Canyon, Crafton and the south Redlands hills are closest to the brush. Santa Ana winds also carry smoke from mountain fires across the whole city, and ash can settle in attics and window tracks even downtown.
Signs it's time to call
- A gray haze on plaster walls or ceiling medallions
- Darkened grain in old wood floors or trim near the fire
- Smoke odor rising through floor registers from the crawlspace
- Peeling or bubbling paint on walls that got hot
- Ash or soot inside built-in cabinets, closets or a fireplace surround
How we handle it in Redlands
After the fire department clears the house, we assess each room and protect what wasn't damaged. Openings are boarded and the roof tarped if needed. Soot is removed with HEPA vacuuming and cleaning matched to each surface, with extra care on plaster and historic wood. Odor is treated at the source, the HVAC system and ducts are checked, and wet areas - including the crawlspace - are dried with water damage restoration equipment until readings are normal.
Heirlooms, books, artwork and furniture can be cleaned in the home or moved out for cleaning and safekeeping. We keep photo records and a written scope you can share with your adjuster, but coverage decisions belong to your insurer. When it's time to rebuild, our reconstruction team works to match original trim and finishes as closely as possible. Learn more on our Redlands restoration page.
Redlands questions, answered
Can smoke-damaged plaster in my Redlands home be saved?+
Often, yes. Plaster that was smoke-stained but not burned or soaked can usually be cleaned, sealed and repainted. If it cracked from heat or stayed wet a long time, sections may need repair. We'll show you what we find before recommending removal.
Smoke drifted in from a fire in the hills. What should I do first?+
Keep windows closed while smoke is heavy, change your HVAC filter and don't try to wipe soot off walls with a dry cloth, which can smear it deeper into the paint. If odor lingers or you see residue, call us to take a look.
Do you also handle the rebuild?+
Yes. After cleaning, we can repair or replace damaged drywall, plaster, flooring and trim, so you aren't hiring a separate contractor. We'll walk you through the scope before any work starts.
Inland Empire neighbors trust First Call
4.8 from 35 Google reviews
“Jose was very knowledgeable and knew the area very well. Walked through everything with us and gave us suggestions and solutions. Would highly recommend.”
“Great price. Jose and his team did a great job unclogging and clearing my bathroom drain. Prior to him, I had three other plumbers out - First Call got it done.”
“Wonderful job! Jose was great! Prompt and stayed until the job was done!”
“Great price. We have used 3 different plumbing companies in the past that we weren't crazy about, so I decided to try this company - so glad I did. Jose provided fast, professional service.”
Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration nearby
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