A kitchen fire can be one of the most destructive and dangerous types of house fires. Even small kitchen fires can cause significant damage and result in long-term consequences.
In this article, we will discuss what to be concerned about when dealing with damage from a kitchen fire and what kinds of things can and cannot be remediated.
The Hazards of Smoke and Soot Damage
One of the main hazards in a kitchen fire is the smoke and soot damage that can spread rapidly throughout the home. Smoke and soot are byproducts of combustion, and their particles can become trapped in porous surfaces and HVAC systems. This may lead to respiratory problems, particularly for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
It’s imperative that you address smoke and soot damage as soon as possible. Proper cleaning and deodorization can reduce the risk of health problems and help restore the home to its pre-fire condition.
However, this is not a DIY project. Professional fire restoration services often use very specialized technology, equipment, and processes to remove smoke and soot from surfaces and the air. You’ll want to leave it up to them.
During a kitchen fire, toxic chemicals may be released as various materials burn. These chemicals are very dangerous and harmful to humans and pets alike, and their presence can lead to long-term health issues.
“It’s not safe to be exposed to fire-burned materials after a fire. They’re considered carcinogenic,” says Ryan Kelly of Chicago Water and Fire. “As tempting as it is to head back into a damaged area, it isn’t generally recommended as being fully suited up in personal protective gear is standard when handling fire damaged items.
Some common toxic chemicals released during a fire include:
- Carbon monoxide: A colorless, odorless gas that can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and even death when inhaled in high concentrations.
- Hydrogen cyanide: A toxic gas produced when certain plastics, insulation, and other synthetic materials burn. Inhaling hydrogen cyanide can cause confusion, seizures, and even death.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Released when certain materials, such as paint or cleaning products, burn. VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and nausea. The worst part about VOCs is that you might not immediately notice the effects. But after living with these compounds for weeks or months, your health will start to suffer.
To protect your health and the health of your family, it is crucial to hire a professional fire restoration company to clean up and remediate your home after a kitchen fire. They have the expertise and equipment to make sure everything is cleaned up – including what you can’t see.
Items That Cannot Be Remediated
There’s a natural desire to save as much as possible in the wake of a kitchen fire. However, some items may be beyond repair or remediation. These items should be properly disposed of and replaced to prevent further contamination or health hazards.
Some common items that may need to be discarded include:
- Food and beverages: Any food or beverages exposed to heat, smoke, or firefighting chemicals should be thrown away, as they may be contaminated and unsafe to consume. Don’t risk trying to save something that may have been damaged. It’s best to get rid of everything that was exposed and to count your losses.
- Porous materials: Items made of porous materials, such as fabrics, upholstery, and carpets, may retain smoke and soot particles and be difficult to clean. No matter how hard you try to clean and purge these items, it may be impossible to remove the smell and VOCs.
- Burnt or melted plastic items: These items can release toxic chemicals and should be replaced. They also serve as a constant reminder of what happened. You’re better off to just get rid of them.
Replacing these severely damaged items, such as appliances, cabinets, and countertops, is essential for several reasons. For starters, damaged appliances or electrical systems can pose a safety risk and may lead to further damage or even another fire. Secondly, replacing damaged items can help eliminate any lingering contaminants and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.
Moving Past Your Kitchen Fire
Dealing with a kitchen fire can be overwhelming, but it is crucial to address the damage as soon as possible to minimize health risks and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.
Hiring a professional fire restoration company can ensure the proper cleaning and remediation of your home, including addressing smoke and soot damage, toxic chemicals, and replacing items that cannot be remediated.
