What this covers
A wildfire does not have to reach a home to affect it. Fine ash settles on roofs, patios and screens, works into attics and ducts, and smoke leaves a smell in fabrics and finishes. The service removes ash with HEPA vacuums and wet methods, cleans exterior and interior surfaces, cleans the duct system and filters the air until the home smells like itself again.
When to call
- Visible ash on window sills, patio furniture, screens or the roof after a nearby wildfire.
- A smoke smell indoors that does not clear with open windows.
- Gray dust inside the attic or on top of the air filter.
What to expect
- Exterior firstAsh is vacuumed and washed off roofs, gutters, screens, siding and patios so it does not keep coming inside.
- Interior cleaningHEPA vacuuming and surface cleaning of every room, with air scrubbers running during the work.
- Ducts and atticThe duct system is cleaned and attic ash is removed where it is present.
- Contents and odorTextiles and soft furnishings are cleaned or laundered and the remaining smell is treated.
First, make it safe
Get a certified company
Tell us what happened and we will connect you with one certified restoration company for your ZIP code. Your details are shared only after you agree to that company by name.
Questions people ask
Is wildfire ash dangerous?
It can irritate the lungs and may contain material from burned structures. The crew wears respirators and gloves and uses HEPA filtration. Keep children and pets away from ash until it is cleaned.
Can I hose it off?
Hosing can spread ash into drains and soil. A certified company vacuums first and washes after, and catches the runoff where it needs to.
Do I need the ducts cleaned?
If the air system ran while smoke was in the air, the ducts and the air handler hold ash and smell. Cleaning them is usually part of the job.
Related: Smoke damage cleanup · Odor removal · Fire damage restoration · All restoration and emergency services
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.