24/7 Emergency Services
Fire Damage Restoration in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan
Soot keeps staining for days after a fire. The water from the hoses keeps soaking in. The sooner cleanup starts, the more we can save.
A person answers 24/7.
What you can expect from us
- A real person answers the phone 24 hours a day, and we can often be on site within a few hours.
- We work with every insurance company and document the damage for your claim.
- Ajaxx is an IICRC Certified Firm, which means our technicians are trained to the industry's cleaning and restoration standards.
After a fire, three things need attention. The openings get covered. The water from the fire hoses gets pulled out and dried. Then the soot and smoke smell get cleaned off, room by room. You can call us as soon as the fire department lets you back in.
What to do right now
- Wait until the fire department says it is safe to go in.
- Leave the furnace and air conditioning off.
- Do not wipe soot off walls or furniture.
- Throw out food that was near heat or smoke.
- Take photos of every room.
Is it safe to go back in?
- Gas or fire: if you smell gas or see fire or smoke, get everyone out and call 911.
- Electricity: do not step into standing water that may touch outlets, cords or appliances. Turn power off at the breaker only if you can reach it from a dry spot; otherwise call your utility or an electrician.
- Standing water: floodwater and sewage can carry bacteria. Avoid skin contact and keep children and pets away.
- Sagging ceilings: stay out of any room where the ceiling is bulging or sagging. Wet drywall and plaster can fall without warning.
- Mold: do not scrub or disturb visible mold. Keep anyone with asthma, allergies or a weak immune system away from the area.
What does a fire do to the rest of the house?
Smoke moves through the whole house, not only the room that burned. It goes up the stairs, into the attic and through the ducts. Soot is acidic. Left alone, it etches chrome, glass and grout within days.
Then there is the water. Fire hoses soak drywall and carpet. If that water is not dried, mold can start.
What do we do first?
- Cover the openings. We board broken windows and tarp holes in the roof so weather stays out.
- Pull out the water. We extract standing water and set up drying equipment.
- Test the soot. Dry soot, sticky soot and kitchen grease each need a different cleaner. We test a small spot before cleaning a whole wall.
How do we clean soot and smoke?
We vacuum loose soot first, so it does not smear. Then we clean walls, ceilings and cabinets with the right cleaner for the residue. Ducts get cleaned so the furnace does not spread soot again. Smoke smell comes out when the residue comes out. Sprays only cover it for a while.
Drywall or insulation that is charred or soaked gets removed. We photograph it before it goes.
What about my belongings?
Clothes, bedding and drapes can often be washed or dry cleaned and deodorized. Furniture, dishes and decor can be cleaned. We pack out what needs work, list it, and bring it back when the house is ready. See contents cleaning and pack-out.
TVs, computers and appliances need their own process. See electronics cleaning.
Small fires count too
Most fire calls are small. A grease fire on the stove. A furnace puff-back that leaves black film on every wall. Smoke from the unit next door. Household cleaners smear this kind of soot deeper into paint and fabric, so call before you scrub.
We handle your project from start to finish, from the first board-up to the last cleaned room.
Why do people call Ajaxx?
A real person answers the phone 24 hours a day, and we can often be on site within a few hours. Ajaxx is an IICRC Certified Firm, which means our technicians are trained to the industry’s cleaning and restoration standards. Our team is licensed and certified, and we work with every insurance company and document the damage for your claim. We handle your project from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can smoke damage be cleaned, or does everything have to be replaced?
A lot can be cleaned if it is treated soon. Hard surfaces and many fabrics clean up well. Things that are charred or soaked, like insulation and some drywall, usually have to go. We decide room by room.
How long does smoke smell last?
Until the residue causing it is removed. Smell hides in soft materials, inside walls and in the ducts. Cleaning those places is what gets rid of it.
Is it safe to stay in the house after a small fire?
Follow the fire department. If soot spread through the living areas, it is usually better to stay somewhere else until cleaning is done.
Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage?
Most homeowners policies cover fire, but limits and deductibles vary. Read your policy and ask your agent or adjuster. We work with every insurance company and document the damage for your claim.
Related Services & Help
What happens when you call?
- Call or text
A person picks up any hour. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you what to do until we arrive. - We look first
We can often be on site within a few hours. We check for hidden water or soot and walk you through the plan. - We stop it from spreading
We pull out water, cover openings or seal off the area on the first visit. - We clean up and keep records
We clean what can be saved. You get photos, notes and moisture readings to send your insurance company.