Recent Fire Damage Posts

Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

6/30/2024 (Permalink)

Cleaning ceiling SERVPRO clean up

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage? Contact us today.

Fire Damage Cleanup

6/28/2023 (Permalink)

Packing boxes

Identify the type of residues

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Smoke odors: real or imaginary?

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Nose

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that when your business or residence has a fire there are an overwhelming amount of tasks to deal with. From the beginning of cleaning to the final put back, there are a lot of decisions to make and sometimes not a lot of time to make them in. That is why we staff highly trained technicians, experienced in cleaning smoke and soot damage on any number of items. However, even after a thorough cleaning, odors can seem to linger. Sometimes these odors are real and sometimes they are imagined.

Did you know there are two odor types? We classify them as Real and Imagined.

1. Real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance.
2. Imaginary odor is what people think they smell.

However, no matter what kind of odor you are experiencing SERVPRO is always here to help and answer any questions you might have!

Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

Fire restoration Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage? Contact us today.

Air Fryer Safety

4/21/2023 (Permalink)

Air Fryer Safety

Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze!

Here at SERVPRO of West Topeka we love a good cooking trend as much as the next person. However, it is always important to understand how to properly maintain your cooking tools no matter how big or small they are.

Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO of West Topeka with a fire damage.

DO: Invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality flash point oil.

DON'T: Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical based non-stick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays.

SERVPRO of West Topeka 785-862-0550

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

When celebrating Christmas SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that the tree is one of the most exciting decorations. However, whether the tree is real or fake there can be real fire hazards if you do not take the proper precautions. Firefighters respond to about 160 home fires started by Christmas trees each year. Nearly half (45%) of them are caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Another 22% of Christmas tree fires are caused by a heat source being too close to the tree. And 15% of fires are intentional. All in all these Christmas tree fires cause $10 million dollars in annual property damage. 

For fire cleanup services, call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550

Fire Damage Clean Up

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Clean Up

Identify the type of residues

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Smoke odors....real or imaginary

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

smoke odors.....real or imaginary?

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that when your business or residence has a fire there are an overwhelming amount of tasks to deal with. From the beginning of cleaning to the final put back, there are a lot of decisions to make and sometimes not a lot of time to make them in. That is why we staff highly trained technicians, experienced in cleaning smoke and soot damage on any number of items. However, even after a thorough cleaning, odors can seem to linger. Sometimes these odors are real and sometimes they are imagined.

Did you know there are two odor types? We classify them as Real and Imagined.

1. Real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance.
2. Imaginary odor is what people think they smell.

However, no matter what kind of odor you are experiencing SERVPRO is always here to help and answer any questions you might have!

Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

4/30/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage vs. Soot Damage

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Air Fryer Safety

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Air Fryer Safety

Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze!

Here at SERVPRO of West Topeka we love a good cooking trend as much as the next person. However, it is always important to understand how to properly maintain your cooking tools no matter how big or small they are.

Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO of West Topeka with a fire damage.

DO: Invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality flash point oil.

DON'T: Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical based non-stick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays.

SERVPRO of West Topeka 785-862-0550

Fire Facts: Christmas Trees

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Facts: Christmas Trees

When celebrating Christmas SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that the tree is one of the most exciting decorations. However, whether the tree is real or fake there can be real fire hazards if you do not take the proper precautions. Firefighters respond to about 160 home fires started by Christmas trees each year. Nearly half (45%) of them are caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Another 22% of Christmas tree fires are caused by a heat source being too close to the tree. And 15% of fires are intentional. All in all these Christmas tree fires cause $10 million dollars in annual property damage. 

For fire cleanup services, call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550

Wildfire Preparedness

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Wildfire Preparedness

SERVPRO of West Topeka is always prepared for any disaster that might come our way, but are you? We always want to make sure you have all the information to prevent any kind of disaster. If you live somewhere where wildfires are prevalent here are some tips for keeping your home safe. First, prep by removing flammable materials using the 3 Home Ignition Zones.

  1. Immediate Zone: 0-5 feet: 
    • Start with the home itself: Clear roof and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles
    • Replace/Repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles
    • Clear debris from exterior attic vents
    • Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors, this includes: mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, and firewood piles
    • Remove anything stored underneath decks and porches
  2. Intermediate Zone: 5-30 feet
  3. Extended Zone: 30-100 feet
For details on each zone, visit https://bddy.me/38uPQB7    

Fire Damage Cleanup

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Cleanup

Identify the type of residues

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Smoke Odor: Real or Imaginary

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Odor: Real or Imaginary

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that when your business or residence has a fire there are an overwhelming amount of tasks to deal with. From the beginning of cleaning to the final put back, there are a lot of decisions to make and sometimes not a lot of time to make them in. That is why we staff highly trained technicians, experienced in cleaning smoke and soot damage on any number of items. However, even after a thorough cleaning, odors can seem to linger. Sometimes these odors are real and sometimes they are imagined.

Did you know there are two odor types? We classify them as Real and Imagined.

1. Real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance.
2. Imaginary odor is what people think they smell.

However, no matter what kind of odor you are experiencing SERVPRO is always here to help and answer any questions you might have!

Smoke Damage vs Soot Damage

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage vs Soot Damage

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Air Fryer Safety

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Air Fryer Safety

Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze!

Here at SERVPRO of West Topeka we love a good cooking trend as much as the next person. However, it is always important to understand how to properly maintain your cooking tools no matter how big or small they are.

Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO of West Topeka with a fire damage.

DO: Invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality flash point oil.

DON'T: Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical based non-stick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays.

SERVPRO of West Topeka 785-862-0550

How to safely clean up after a fire

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

How to safely clean up after a fire

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka has a highly trained staff of fire restoration experts? We pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the most efficient and effective techniques for cleaning and restoring houses and businesses after there has been fire damage. SERVPRO also always makes sure no matter where our technicians are working, that they are being as safe as possible. If you have ever had to clean after a small home fire, you know it is important to watch where you step and stay safe.

Here are 3 tips for working safer in a smoke-damaged space.

1. Ventilation: removes most of the gases emitted from debris in the building

2.Use a Ladder: to clean high walls and/or ceilings from a safe position

3. Wear a Respirator: there are many types and degrees of respirators, which one you need depends on the level of smoke residues

Smoke Detector Safety

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Detector Safety

SERVPRO of West Topeka understands that life can get pretty hectic, and when that happens it can be easy to forgot those simple household tasks like laundry, dishes, or buying the milk. So it is understandable that things like checking the batteries on your smoke detector can fall completely off the back burner. However, today is National Battery Day! So put it on your calendars  and while you're at it check all your batteries! Because as we know batteries die, not only that but other parts of the smoke detector can wear out over time. Testing your smoke detector batteries regularly and replacing batteries is one way to help ensure your family stays safe should there be a fire in your home. #NationalBatteryDay #StaySafe

How to clean up after a fire damage

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

How to clean up after a fire damage

Identify the type of residues

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Fire Safety 101

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety 101

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka offers Continuing Education Courses in a variety of categories! Recently we held a course on Fire Safety and Best Practices at a local fire station.

Our technicians were allowed to build three test rooms on the fire station's campus and fill them with contents to resemble a living room, dining room, and bedroom.

After the lecture series on Fire Safety and Best Practices the fire fighters lit the rooms on fire one by one and the participants were able to observe what the progression of a fire looks like in real time.

After the fire fighters put out the controlled fire the participants were allowed to look up and close and observe what kind of fire damage SERVPRO of West Topeka technicians see when we first arrive on site for a fire damage cleanup.

All in all the day was very informative. If you have any questions on fires and fire cleanup please contact us at 785-862-0550!

Smoke Odor: Real or Imaginary

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Odor: Real or Imaginary

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that when your business or residence has a fire there are an overwhelming amount of tasks to deal with. From the beginning of cleaning to the final put back, there are a lot of decisions to make and sometimes not a lot of time to make them in. That is why we staff highly trained technicians, experienced in cleaning smoke and soot damage on any number of items. However, even after a thorough cleaning, odors can seem to linger. Sometimes these odors are real and sometimes they are imagined.

Did you know there are two odor types? We classify them as Real and Imagined.

1. Real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance.
2. Imaginary odor is what people think they smell.

However, no matter what kind of odor you are experiencing SERVPRO is always here to help and answer any questions you might have! 

Smoke vs Soot

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke vs Soot

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Repairing Your Fire Damage

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Repairing Your Fire Damage

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that fire damage and smoke damage don't stop because of a pandemic. As the cleanup pros, SERVPRO of West Topeka is prepared and ready to continue offering services despite this current COVID-19 pandemic. SERVPRO has all the proper protective equipment and disinfectant to continue helping you with any sort of damage you may have in your home or business. As far as fires go, SERVPRO of West Topeka offer 5 areas of restoration services for fire damages:

Mitigation Services

Structural Cleaning Services 

Contents Cleaning Services

Specialty Restoration Services 

Reconstruction Services

If you have any questions about our cleanup and restoration process, or how we are following proper procedure during this COVID-19 crisis just give us a call to see how we can help!

Smoke Detector Safety

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Stay Safe! Check those batteries!

SERVPRO of West Topeka understands that life can get pretty hectic, and when that happens it can be easy to forgot those simple household tasks like laundry, dishes, or buying the milk. So it is understandable that things like checking the batteries on your smoke detector can fall completely off the back burner. However, today is National Battery Day! So put it on your calendars  and while you're at it check all your batteries! Because as we know batteries die, not only that but other parts of the smoke detector can wear out over time. Testing your smoke detector batteries regularly and replacing batteries is one way to help ensure your family stays safe should there be a fire in your home. #NationalBatteryDay #StaySafe

Cleaning Fire Damage

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Identify the type of residues 

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface 

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Growing Your Knowledge of Fire Safety

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of West Topeka offers Continuing Education Courses in a variety of categories! Recently we held a course on Fire Safety and Best Practices at a local fire station.

Our technicians were allowed to build three test rooms on the fire station's campus and fill them with contents to resemble a living room, dining room, and bedroom.

After the lecture series on Fire Safety and Best Practices the fire fighters lit the rooms on fire one by one and the participants were able to observe what the progression of a fire looks like in real time.

After the fire fighters put out the controlled fire the participants were allowed to look up and close and observe what kind of fire damage SERVPRO of West Topeka technicians see when we first arrive on site for a fire damage cleanup.

All in all the day was very informative. If you have any questions on fires and fire cleanup please contact us at 785-862-0550!

Where there's smoke...

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 785-862-0550

Flowers, Candy, and Candles: Be Careful with your Flames this Valentine's Day

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

When thinking of romantic gestures flowers and candy are always a classic but when it comes to candles you want to be extra careful. Makes sure you place them away from curtains and other flammable items; as well as out of reach of any curious pets!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:


Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.


Different Types of Smoke:


There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Topeka will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.


Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.


Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.


Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 913-772-1818

Tips for cooking this holiday season

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Always use caution while cooking!

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

“Cook with Caution”

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.

 If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

  • On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 If you have any doubt about fighting a

small fire…

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.

Reproduced from NFPA’s website, www.nfpa.org/publiceducation. © NFPA

If you do happen to have a kitchen or cooking fire be sure to call the experts in fire damage restoration! SERVPRO of Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550