BC Wildfire Damage: Insurance Claims, Smoke Cleanup & Fire Restoration

First Steps After Fire or Smoke

1. Wait for the all-clear. Do not enter until it’s safe. Watch for weak floors, falling debris, and utility hazards.
2. Protect yourself. Wear a respirator or mask, gloves, and eye protection. Keep kids and pets away from the area.
3. Document the damage. Take wide and close photos of every room, contents, and the outside of your home.
4. Prevent more damage. If safe, board up broken windows, tarp roof openings, and shut off water or power to damaged areas.
5. Start your claim. Call your insurer, get a claim number, and note your coverages and limits.

Act Now to Protect Your Home and Health! 📞 Call Now: +1 604-800-3900

Available 24/7 for immediate assistance!

Insurance Claims: How We Help

• Clear plan. We explain what is usually covered: fire, smoke, odour removal, water damage from suppression, and additional living expenses (when your home is not livable).
• Evidence package. Photos, measurements, moisture logs, and a room-by-room scope written in a format insurers expect.
• Adjuster coordination. We meet your adjuster, walk the site, and answer technical questions to reduce delays.
• Supplements. If hidden damage appears (behind walls, in ducts, or wiring), we submit updates with proof.
• Good / Better / Best options. You choose materials and finishes that fit your budget and any policy limits.

How Fire & Smoke Restoration Works

1) Safety & Stabilization

• Board-up, roof tarping, temporary power and lighting
• Water extraction and structural drying if firefighting water was used
• Corrosion control for metal fixtures and electronics

2) Inspection & Scope

• Check structure, roofing, siding, windows, and insulation
• Trace smoke travel through rooms, attics, and HVAC
• Measure moisture in walls, floors, and framing

3) Soot & Odour Removal

• HEPA vacuum and dry sponge cleaning on walls and ceilings
• Careful removal of unsalvageable materials
• Targeted deodorizing methods to remove deep odours
• HVAC register and duct cleaning to stop re-contamination

4) Contents Care

• On-site wipe-down for lightly affected items
• Pack-out for detailed cleaning, deodorizing, and storage
• Non-restorable list prepared for your adjuster

5) Repairs & Rebuild

• Replace insulation, drywall, trim, cabinets, and flooring
• Match textures and paints
• Final clean and handover

Common Issues After Wildfire Smoke

• Fine soot dust on surfaces, inside cabinets, and behind trim
• Persistent odour in soft goods (carpet, drapes, furniture)
• HVAC contamination that spreads soot every time the system runs
• Corrosion on fixtures, appliances, and electronics
• Hidden moisture in walls and subfloors from firefighting water

Cost, Timing & What Affects Price

Every loss is different. Price depends on the size of the area, level of smoke and soot, amount of demolition and cleaning, drying time, and the scope of repairs. We provide clear line-item estimates so you understand each step.

Typical timelines: emergency work 1–3 days; cleaning and drying a few days more; repairs from several days to a few weeks depending on parts and permits.

Tips to Speed Up Approvals

• Keep receipts for emergency work and temporary living costs
• Take photos before moving items and again after stabilization
• Do not throw away damaged items until your adjuster approves
• Share a simple room-by-room list of affected contents
• Respond quickly to insurer emails and requests

We Help BC Homeowners Recover

VR Plus Restoration handles fire, smoke, and water cleanup plus full rebuilds. We help you open the claim, prepare documents, and keep your project moving. We’re local, fast, and fair.

Act Now to Protect Your Home and Health! 📞 Call Now: +1 604-800-3900

Available 24/7 for immediate assistance!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to clean smoke myself?

Light dry soot on hard, non-porous surfaces can be wiped carefully. For larger areas, soft goods, or strong odours, professional care is best.

Will my policy cover smoke odour removal?

Many policies include odour removal when it is part of a covered fire loss. Your adjuster can confirm your exact coverage.

Why clean the HVAC system?

Soot can settle in ducts and blow back into rooms. Proper HVAC cleaning helps remove odours and fine dust.

How long will repairs take?

Emergency actions are quick. Cleaning, drying, and rebuild times depend on the size of the loss and material availability.

Do you work with my adjuster?

Yes. We share photos, measurements, and clear estimates to help your claim move forward smoothly.