Smoke is the accumulation of airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases. The most dangerous components of smoke are the invisible gases present during the fire. Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of indoor fires. The smoke kills by a combination of thermal damage, poisoning and pulmonary irritation caused by carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and other combustion products. After a fire, the gases disperse but the smoke solids and liquids remain on exposed surfaces. These deposits are more accurately called "fire residues."
Fire residues vary in character. Some appear as dry particles, others as smeary flakes; still others are sticky and viscous. The types of residue depend on the items that burned and their rate of combustion.
• Wood and Paper Fire - These type of fires involve paper product or wood being consumed such as fireplace puff-backs, most trash can fires and general home fires where mostly the wood structure is involved.
• Synthetic Fire – Synthetic fires would include fires consuming carpeting and upholstered furnishings, electrical fires, and fires where plastic materials have been burned.
• Protein Fire – This type of fire typically involves stove-top grease fires, burned and charred meat, along with most fires where living tissue or hair is involved would be classified as protein fires.
Most home fires will be a combination of wood and synthetic types. Even when the fire is out, the damage continues. Much of the material found in furniture and flooring is synthetic and when burned, it can start an array of complex chemical reactions. It only takes a few days, for these items go from cleanable to unsalvageable. The skilled professionals of Water Damage Coral Springs are licensed experts that understand that the chemical combinations that can effectively clean and salvage belongings. We are able to remove soot from at-risk items such as brass, aluminum, chrome, marble, tile, and porcelain as well as fabrics in upholstery and carpet, thus helping to avoid additional expenses.
Household fires usually contain hundreds of noxious chemicals which can saturate items within the structure as well as the structure itself. To minimize loss, know what to do right from the start. Timely action can lower overall costs, as well as save valuable possessions that might otherwise be lost.