Recent Fire Damage Posts

Fire Damage Restoration Process

4/3/2024 (Permalink)

Fire? Call SERVPRO! Fire? Call SERVPRO!

After the fire trucks leave, your home may endure fire, smoke, and extensive water damage. Did you  have broken windows or doors pushed in during firefighting efforts? We've got it covered. SERVPRO of Carteret & E. Onslow Counties, your fire restoration specialist, arrives promptly to prevent further damage, securing both structure and belongings.

Our advanced training ensures a swift and thorough restoration process, bringing your property back to pre-fire condition(or better)!

Here is our Fire Damage Restoration Process:

Step 1. Emergency Contact

Step 2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Step 4. Water Removal and Drying (if water is present)

Step 5. removal of Smoke and Soot from all Surfaces

Step 6. Cleaning and Sanitizing

October is Fire Prevention Month

10/4/2023 (Permalink)

Cooking Fire Cooking Safety

Its October, which means it is National Fire Prevention Month. National Fire Prevention Month was created back in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge, October was proclaimed to be Fire Prevention Month in response to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 people and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings. It is now 2023 and this years theme is "Cooking Safety Starts with You". Here are six key steps to look out for to protect yourself and your family from a cooking fire. 

1. Pay Attention to What You're Cooking

2. Watch Your Surroundings

3. Watch for placement of Pot Handles 

4. Keep your Kitchen Clean

5. Kid and Pet-Free Zones

6. Buy a Fire Extinguisher 

We here at SERVPRO of Carteret and E. Onslow take fire safety very seriously. We want all of Carteret and Onslow County to be safe while cooking in the kitchen, especially with the holiday season coming up! 

September 2023 - National Preparedness Month - Fire

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

National preparedness month National Preparedness Month

It's National Preparedness Month so we're preparing for disasters that can happen at any time. With fall near, wildfire fuel will soon litter your property. Prep by removing flammable materials using the 3 HIZ Zones. Home Ignition Zone Prepare your home for wildfire IMMEDIATE ZONE: 0-5ft

  • Start with the home itself 
  • Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles
  • replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles.
  • Clear debris from exterior attic vents
  • Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors- mulch, flammable plants, leave and needles, firewood piles - anything that can burn
  • Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches

INTERMEDIATE ZONE: 5-30ft.

EXTENDED ZONE: 30-100ft.

This month (September) is National Preparedness Month, so we will be sharing different ways to prepare for different disasters. 

Soot Clean up

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Soot from fire Damage Soot on walls from fire 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 Carteret & East Onslow Coutnies 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 – (910)-326-1344

Fire Damage in Swansboro

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Soot webs on wall Soot webs on wall

Is your worst nightmare a phone charger or battery charger catching on fire? Well it was for this Swansboro family. The husband had a drill battery on charge in the kitchen, just like he had always done, just like we all have done before. The battery charger malfunctioned and caught fire in the kitchen the fire damage itself was minimal but the soot and smoke caused the most damage throughout the house. The family and the family pets were all safe and okay, that's the most important part! SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties were immediately called and were on the scene right away. We got in there and remediated the fire damage and ozoned the house to help eliminate smoke odor. SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow also did the repairs on this home. If you or someone you know experiences fire damage in their home or business give us a call at 910-326-1344 

Prevent Soot From Gas Logs

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Soot on house Soot on house

The change of season is coming and that means getting our fireplaces in shape. For some of us that means cleaning the lint and dust off our gas logs that have collected over the past months. This is a great idea as they may become much more dirty than we would expect. Not only can airborne debris from our animals, an open door or window or natural dust in the air land on our logs and build up but when the logs are burning it creates a natural draft because of the demand for oxygen and creates a magnet for these debris. They slowly clog the fresh air intake port making the flame week and yellow instead of blue eventually leading to the pilot not staying lit.

Onslow County Fire Damage

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Pan that caught fire Pan that caught on fire on the stove.

SERVPRO advises to never leave the room when you have something cooking on your stovetop.  We've all done it, a few of us have gotten lucky, others have had their kitchen or whole house go up in flames, some have gotten hurt or killed.  Remember, more injuries are reported from kitchen fires than any other type of home fire. 

One of our customers in Onslow County was very lucky.  The lady of the house went to check on the children and came back to find her frying pan on fire.  She reacted promptly and used her ABC Rated fire extinguisher to douse the flames.  Besides the range hood being scorched, the damage was minimal.  Still smoke and soot had spread throughout her home permeating and coating everything.  SERVPRO was able to clean the walls. ceiling, floors, furniture and even the air ducts!  When it was all said and done, there was no scent of smoke and no signs of soot!   Another successful remediation and deodorization and the best part of all, another happy customer!!!

Newport, NC home suffers fire damage, no one is hurt.

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Damage to small room Fire Damage to small room.

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties responded to a call from Morehead City after a recent kitchen fire.  The whole home was affected by heat, soot and smoke but only the kitchen had significant fire damage.  Thankfully the homeowners were able to get out of the structure with no injuries.  One result of a heavy smoke fire is the presence of soot webs, they look like cobwebs but are black.  Most people assume they aren't very good housekeepers when they see the soot webs, they think that they are cobwebs that have been turned black by the smoke.  The truth is that soot webs form independently when the smoke starts condensing and they have absolutely nothing to do with cobwebs.  SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow also collected the homeowners contents to ensure that they are cleaned and disinfected properly. Call SERVPRO at 910-326-1344 if you experience fire damage in your home or bus

Fire Damage Safety Tips

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Fire around home Fire Safety around your home or business.

One way to reduce the potential for fire
damage is to get rid of combustible materials within 30 feet of your home. This could be fireprone vegetation, firewood stacks, combustible patio furniture, umbrellas, etc. Here are a few examples of ways to remove fire hazards from around your home: Remove combustible litter on roofs and gutters, trim tree branches that overhang the roof and chimney, eliminate all combustible materials within 30 feet of the home, make sure all grills and fire pits have no flames left in them before going to bed that night or leaving your home, and make sure all battery items that require to be plugged in are unplugged when leaving your home or turning in for the night. There are many more ways to proyect your home and business, we suggest going on the FEMA website and seeing their list of fire safety tips. 

Fire Prevention Week 2022

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Pan on fire in the kitchen Fire Prevention Week 2022

Fire Prevention Week 10/4 – 10/10 2022

We have a whole week dedicated to fire prevention. Why is that? Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. This fire caused devastating damage. More than 250 people killed, 100,000 people left homeless, more than 17,400 structures destroyed, and more than 2,000 acres of land burned. Did you also know that every 90 seconds a residential fire occurs somewhere in the United States?

Here in eastern North Carolina, the weather has started cooling down in the evenings and we have come into what most would call “bonfire season”. We want to share some backyard fire pit safety tips with you to ensure your fun evening doesn’t become an uncontrollable nightmare. Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, telephone wires, and at least 25 feet away from apartment or multi-residence buildings.

  • Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
  • Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
  • Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
  • To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
  • Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
  • Use a commercial fire pit screen on top to help prevent large amber from leaving the controlled area. 
  • Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
  • Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
  • As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Kitchen Fire

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire Our Jacksonville NC customer was very lucky not to have more damage from this kitchen fire

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties is getting ready to start the cleanup of a kitchen fire in Jacksonville.  This particular loss could have been much worse but is still a real headache for our customer. 

Kitchen fires account for 42% of all home structure fires and 37% of injuries.  Please be careful in the kitchen and never leave the room when you are cooking something on your stovetop!

Commercial Building Fire

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Fire Commercial Building Fire

This Hubert business suffered from a fire caused by a dust collector malfunction. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow worked around the clock to remediate the problem, so that business could be restored as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Many businesses are at risk for a fire, especially when they lease older buildings in need of repairs. We know how costly and devastating a fire can be to a business, so it is always our goal to get you back up and running right away. 

What To Expect: 

When we visit your business after a fire loss, we will scope the effected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your business, call us right away at 910-326-1344. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow will treat you with empathy and respect, and your property with care.

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

Fire Prevention Week 2021

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Bonfire Bonfire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week 10/4 – 10/10 2020

We have a whole week dedicated to fire prevention. Why is that? Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. This fire caused devastating damage. More than 250 people killed, 100,000 people left homeless, more than 17,400 structures destroyed, and more than 2,000 acres of land burned. Did you also know that every 90 seconds a residential fire occurs somewhere in the United States?

Here in eastern North Carolina, the weather has started cooling down in the evenings and we have come into what most would call “bonfire season”. We want to share some backyard fire pit safety tips with you to ensure your fun evening doesn’t become an uncontrollable nightmare. Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, telephone wires, and at least 25 feet away from apartment or multi-residence buildings.

  • Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
  • Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
  • Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
  • To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
  • Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
  • Use a commercial fire pit screen on top to help prevent large amber from leaving the controlled area. 
  • Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
  • Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
  • As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Fire Damage Restoration Process

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Soot on walls Soot webs on walls and ceilings

Every fire damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When various materials burn, the soot they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

  1. Emergency Contact
  2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
  3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
  4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
  5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
  6. Cleaning and Repair
  7. Restoration

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties is a turn key company, if you experience a fire damage call us and after we clean up the damage ask for a reconstruction quote!  

Morehead City NC home suffers fire damage, no one is hurt.

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in kitchen Fire damage in kitchen

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties responded to a call from Morehead City after a recent kitchen fire.  The whole home was affected by heat, soot and smoke but only the kitchen had significant fire damage.  Thankfully the homeowners were able to get out of the structure with no injuries.  One result of a heavy smoke fire is the presence of soot webs, they look like cobwebs but are black.  Most people assume they aren't very good housekeepers when they see the soot webs, they think that they are cobwebs that have been turned black by the smoke.  The truth is that soot webs form independently when the smoke starts condensing and they have absolutely nothing to do with cobwebs.  SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow also collected the homeowners contents to ensure that they are cleaned and disinfected properly. Call SERVPRO at 910-326-1344 if you experience fire damage in your home or business!

Carteret County Fire Damage

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Burnt pan Here is the culprit for this kitchen fire.

SERVPRO advises to never leave the room when you have something cooking on your stovetop.  We've all done it, a few of us have gotten lucky, others have had their kitchen or whole house go up in flames, some have gotten hurt or killed.  Remember, more injuries are reported from kitchen fires than any other type of home fire. 

One of our customers in Carteret County was very lucky.  The lady of the house went to check on the children and came back to find her frying pan on fire.  She reacted promptly and used her ABC Rated fire extinguisher to douse the flames.  Besides the range hood being scorched, the damage was minimal.  Still smoke and soot had spread throughout her home permeating and coating everything.  SERVPRO was able to clean the walls. ceiling, floors, furniture and even the air ducts!  When it was all said and done, there was no scent of smoke and no signs of soot!   Another successful remediation and deodorization and the best part of all, another happy customer!!!

Prevent Soot From Gas Logs

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

soot on brick Soot on hearth caused by incomplete combustion.. In this case misplaced logs.

The change of season is coming and that means getting our fireplaces in shape. For some of us that means cleaning the lint and dust off our gas logs that have collected over the past months. This is a great idea as they may become much more dirty than we would expect. Not only can airborne debris from our animals, an open door or window or natural dust in the air land on our logs and build up but when the logs are burning it creates a natural draft because of the demand for oxygen and creates a magnet for these debris. They slowly clog the fresh air intake port making the flame week and yellow instead of blue eventually leading to the pilot not staying lit.

Knowing this, it is imperative to keep our units clean. A simple vacuuming will help alleviate this. The thing to remember is that with all gas log fireplaces the logs are designed to only go in one way. If you pull the logs out to clean you must replace in the same pattern. There is no one way in stacking these gas fireplace logs over a fireplace burner. The placement of the logs depends on the manufacturer who makes the burner and the model. As a general rule, you must follow the instructions provided in the manufacturer's manual. Usually, the manual provides a numbered illustration on how to stack the gas logs. There are some models that have holes on the logs, which matches on specific pins located on the burner.

When these logs are set properly the flames will just dance around the gas logs, yet never touch the logs themselves. Soot happens when there is an incomplete combustion of the gas. If the log set placement is improper, the flame could touch the logs, cooling the flame in the process, which results in an incomplete combustion of the fuel. Soot is light and becomes airborne easily being disbursed through the dwelling landing on even the farthest corners. This potentially leads to major claims as the cleaning can become quite expensive. There is no thorough cleaning of soot, it is simply prepping for paint and that ends up being thousands of dollars in claims.

If you suspect soot or have any questions please don’t hesitate to call. 910-250-0222. Our professionals can assist you in any of your sooting needs and get you back to “Like it never even happened." 

Carteret & East Onslow Counties Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Soot webs Often times people assume they have spider webs that see all of sudden because the soot from a fire. No spiders here, these are soot webs.

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 Carteret & East Onslow Coutnies 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 – (910)-326-1344

Fire Damage in Hubert Home

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage on counter tops Fire damage on counter-top in a kitchen.

Is your worst nightmare a phone charger or battery charger catching on fire? Well it was for this Hubert family. The husband had a drill battery on charge in the kitchen, just like he had always done, just like we all have done before. The battery charger malfunctioned and caught fire in the kitchen the fire damage itself was minimal but the soot and smoke caused the most damage throughout the house. The family and the family pets were all safe and okay, that's the most important part! SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties were immediately called and were on the scene right away. We got in there and remediated the fire damage and ozoned the house to help eliminate smoke odor. SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow also did the repairs on this home. If you or someone you know experiences fire damage in their home or business give us a call at 910-326-1344 

National Preparedness Month - Fire

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

It's National Preparedness Month so we're preparing for disasters that can happen at any time. With fall near, wildfire fuel will soon litter your property. Prep by removing flammable materials using the 3 HIZ Zones. Home Ignition Zone Prepare your home for wildfire IMMEDIATE ZONE: 0-5ft

  • Start with the home itself 
  • Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles
  • replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles.
  • Clear debris from exterior attic vents
  • Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors- mulch, flammable plants, leave and needles, firewood piles - anything that can burn
  • Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches

INTERMEDIATE ZONE: 5-30ft.

EXTENDED ZONE: 30-100ft.

This month (September) is National Preparedness Month, so we will be sharing different ways to prepare for different disasters. 

Fire Damage in Swansboro

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in kitchen Fire damage on stove in the kitchen area

This family’s Swansboro home suffered from a fire caused by an accident while cooking dinner. It’s always devastating when a family experiences a house fire, but SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow worked hard to recover the structure and contents. We were able to remove the soot and even the smell of the smoke from the home, so that the family returned to a safe, clean space. Our goal is always to make your home “Like it never even happened.” 

What To Expect:

When we visit your home after a fire loss, we will scope the affected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your home, call us right away at 910-326-1344. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow Counties will treat you and your family with empathy and respect, and your property with care.  

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 Carteret & East Onslow 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. 

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 – 910-326-1344

Fire Damage in Hubert Business

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

fire in assembly room Fire Damage in Assembly Room

This Hubert business suffered from a fire caused by a dust collector malfunction. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow worked around the clock to remediate the problem, so that business could be restored as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Many businesses are at risk for a fire, especially when they lease older buildings in need of repairs. We know how costly and devastating a fire can be to a business, so it is always our goal to get you back up and running right away. 

What To Expect: 

When we visit your business after a fire loss, we will scope the effected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your business, call us right away at 910-326-1344. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow will treat you with empathy and respect, and your property with care.

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

Fire Prevention Week and Bonfire Season

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Bonfire Safety Bonfire Season in Eastern North Carolina

Fire Prevention Week 10/4 – 10/10 2020

We have a whole week dedicated to fire prevention. Why is that? Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. This fire caused devastating damage. More than 250 people killed, 100,000 people left homeless, more than 17,400 structures destroyed, and more than 2,000 acres of land burned. Did you also know that every 90 seconds a residential fire occurs somewhere in the United States?

Here in eastern North Carolina, the weather has started cooling down in the evenings and we have come into what most would call “bonfire season”. We want to share some backyard fire pit safety tips with you to ensure your fun evening doesn’t become an uncontrollable nightmare. Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, telephone wires, and at least 25 feet away from apartment or multi-residence buildings.

  • Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
  • Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
  • Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
  • To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
  • Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
  • Use a commercial fire pit screen on top to help prevent large amber from leaving the controlled area. 
  • Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
  • Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
  • As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Hubert, NC Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Soot damage on a counter-top Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Hubert Home.

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 Carteret & East Onslow Counties 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 – 910-326-1344

Where there is fire/soot damage, there comes water damage with it

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Where there is fire/soot damage, there comes water damage with it. 

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your Swansboro home may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We’ll treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with care.

SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow Counties specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. SERVPRO of Carteret & East Onslow Counties will have it "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage Restoration Process

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Soot on walls Soot webs on walls and ceilings

Every fire damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When various materials burn, the soot they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

  1. Emergency Contact
  2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
  3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
  4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
  5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
  6. Cleaning and Repair
  7. Restoration

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties is a turn key company, if you experience a fire damage call us and after we clean up the damage ask for a reconstruction quote!  

Fire Damage in Hubert Home

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage on counter tops Fire damage on counter-top in a kitchen.

Is your worst nightmare a phone charger or battery charger catching on fire? Well it was for this Hubert family. The husband had a drill battery on charge in the kitchen, just like he had always done, just like we all have done before. The battery charger malfunctioned and caught fire in the kitchen the fire damage itself was minimal but the soot and smoke caused the most damage throughout the house. The family and the family pets were all safe and okay, that's the most important part! SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties were immediately called and were on the scene right away. We got in there and remediated the fire damage and ozoned the house to help eliminate smoke odor.

Fire Prevention Week

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2019 is dated for October 6-12. This years campaign slogan is "Not all heroes wear capes" which falls in line with SERVPROs "Hero ready" standards. What defines hero? A hero can be many different things to many different people. A hero can be a courageous and selfless person who comes to your rescue when a fire destroys your home, or it can be the men and woman in green who come to your rescue when your house gets flooded or when another disaster strikes. Not all heroes wear capes so make sure to have a plan and place to go whenever a disaster strikes. Be sure to call SERVPRO, we will make sure to make it Like it never even happen happened."

It is Burn Awareness Week! February 4th-10th

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Burn Awareness Week, observed the first full week of February. It is a window of opportunity for organizations to mobilize burn, fire and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities. 

Here are just some National Burn Awareness Week facts for you to know.

  • Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of unintentional death and injury in the United States. 
  • One Civilian fire injury occurs every minute.
  • Most of the burn injuries treated in burn centers occur in the home (73%) followed by work (8%).
  • The life time odds of a U.S. resident dying from exposure to fire, flames, or smoke are 1 in 1,498.
  • Almost one quarter (24%) of all burn injuries occur in children under the age of 15.
  • 96.7% of those treated in burn centers will survive. Unfortunately, many survivors will sustain serious scarring and life-long physical disabilities.  

Carteret & East Onslow Counties Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

Often times people assume they have spider webs that see all of sudden because the soot from a fire. No spiders here, these are soot webs.

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 Carteret & East Onslow Coutnies 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 – (910)-326-1344

Prevent Sooting From Gas Logs

8/10/2015 (Permalink)

soot on brick Sooting on hearth caused by incomplete combustion.. In this case misplaced logs.

The change of season is coming and that means getting our fireplaces in shape. For some of us that means cleaning the lint and dust off our gas logs that have collected over the past months. This is a great idea as they may become much more dirty than we would expect. Not only can airborne debris from our animals, an open door or window or natural dust in the air land on our logs and build up but when the logs are burning it creates a natural draft because of the demand for oxygen and creates a magnet for these debris. They slowly clog the fresh air intake port making the flame week and yellow instead of blue eventually leading to the pilot not staying lit.

Knowing this, it is imperative to keep our units clean. A simple vacuuming will help alleviate this. The thing to remember is that with all gas log fireplaces the logs are designed to only go in one way. If you pull the logs out to clean you must replace in the same pattern. There is no one way in stacking these gas fireplace logs over a fireplace burner. The placement of the logs depends on the manufacturer who makes the burner and the model. As a general rule, you must follow the instructions provided in the manufacturer's manual. Usually, the manual provides a numbered illustration on how to stack the gas logs. There are some models that have holes on the logs, which matches on specific pins located on the burner.

When these logs are set properly the flames will just dance around the gas logs, yet never touch the logs themselves. Sooting happens when there is an incomplete combustion of the gas. If the log set placement is improper, the flame could touch the logs, cooling the flame in the process, which results in an incomplete combustion of the fuel. Soot is light and becomes airborne easily being disbursed through the dwelling landing on even the farthest corners. This potentially leads to major claims as the cleaning can become quite expensive. There is no thorough cleaning of soot, it is simply prepping for paint and that ends up being thousands of dollars in claims.

If you suspect soot or have any questions please don’t hesitate to call. 910-250-0222. Our professionals can assist you in any of your sooting needs and get you back to “Like it never even happened." 

Carteret County Fire Damage

7/23/2014 (Permalink)

Here is the culprit for this kitchen fire.

SERVPRO advises to never leave the room when you have something cooking on your stovetop.  We've all done it, a few of us have gotten lucky, others have had their kitchen or whole house go up in flames, some have gotten hurt or killed.  Remember, more injuries are reported from kitchen fires than any other type of home fire. 

One of our customers in Carteret County was very lucky.  The lady of the house went to check on the children and came back to find her frying pan on fire.  She reacted promptly and used her ABC Rated fire extinguisher to douse the flames.  Besides the range hood being scorched, the damage was minimal.  Still smoke and soot had spread throughout her home permeating and coating everything.  SERVPRO was able to clean the walls. ceiling, floors, furniture and even the air ducts!  When it was all said and done, there was no scent of smoke and no signs of soot!   Another successful remediation and deodorization and the best part of all, another happy customer!!!

Morehead City NC home suffers fire damage, no one is hurt.

5/23/2014 (Permalink)

Soot webs!

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties responded to a call from Morehead City after a recent kitchen fire.  The whole home was affected by heat, soot and smoke but only the kitchen had significant fire damage.  Thankfully the homeowners were able to get out of the structure with no injuries.  One result of a heavy smoke fire is the presence of soot webs, they look like cobwebs but are black.  Most people assume they aren't very good housekeepers when they see the soot webs, they think that they are cobwebs that have been turned black by the smoke.  The truth is that soot webs form independently when the smoke starts condensing and they have absolutely nothing to do with cobwebs.   

Kitchen Fire in Jacksonville NC

5/8/2014 (Permalink)

Our Jacksonville NC customer was very lucky not to have more damage from this kitchen fire

SERVPRO of Carteret and East Onslow Counties is getting ready to start the cleanup of a kitchen fire in Jacksonville.  This particular loss could have been much worse but is still a real headache for our customer. 

Kitchen fires account for 42% of all home structure fires and 37% of injuries.  Please be careful in the kitchen and never leave the room when you are cooking something on your stovetop!