# Fire damage questions and answers

> Quick answers about fire, smoke, soot and water damage in Fort Worth homes, plus every question answered across this site's service, area and guide pages.

URL: https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/faq/  
Section: Home > Questions and answers  
Last updated: 2026-10-31

Disclosure: Fire Damage Restoration Fort Worth is a call-in referral service. Your call is connected to an independent, licensed local contractor who speaks with you on that call; we do not perform the work ourselves.

Short, direct answers to the questions people ask most after a house fire, followed by every question answered elsewhere on this site.

## Short answers first, details on the linked pages

These answers are written to be short enough to read aloud. Each topic is covered in more depth on the service, neighborhood and guide pages, which list the public sources behind each statement. Below the quick answers, this page also gathers every question answered elsewhere on the site, so you can scan them in one place.

If your question is about your own home, the quickest route is to call. Your call connects to an independent local restoration contractor who can talk through what you are seeing on that same call.

Answers here are general. Your insurer decides what a policy covers, and the fire department, electricians and gas professionals make the formal safety calls for your home.

## Quick answers

### What should I do first after a house fire?

Make sure everyone is safe, stay out until the fire department clears the house, find a safe place to stay, then call your insurance company to start the claim.

### How long does smoke smell last?

As long as residue remains in the house. Thorough cleaning of surfaces, contents, the attic and the air system, followed by sealing, usually clears it.

### Can I clean soot with water?

Not at first. Water spreads soot and can set stains. Soot is removed dry with HEPA vacuums and dry sponges before any wet cleaning.

### Should I run the air conditioning after a fire?

Not until it has been inspected. Running it can spread [smoke residue](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/services/smoke-damage-cleanup/) through the ducts into every room.

### How fast does water need to be dried?

The EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. Materials that cannot dry in time are often removed.

### Can I stay in my house after a fire?

Only if the fire department has cleared it, utilities are checked, and smoke and water did not reach the area you would use.

### Do I have to use my insurer's contractor?

Generally you can choose your own restoration contractor. Your insurer decides what the policy covers.

### Who answers when I call this site?

An independent local restoration contractor, who talks with you on that same call. We do not perform the work.

## Still have questions?

Questions about questions and answers? Call and talk it through with an independent local restoration contractor on that same call.

## Talk to someone

Call (817) 753-1164 (+18177531164). Your call connects to an independent local contractor who speaks with you on that call.