Fire & smoke damage · Emergency service
Fire & Smoke Damage in San Francisco, CA
Fire damage restoration covers securing the property, removing water from firefighting, cleaning soot from surfaces and contents, removing smoke odor, and rebuilding what burned. Smoke spreads far beyond the flames, so most of the work is cleaning.
Fire & Smoke Damage in San Francisco: local conditions
Partner coverage for fire and smoke damage in San Francisco currently includes 49 ZIP codes: 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94137, 94139, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94143, 94144, 94145, 94146, 94147, 94151, 94158, 94159, 94160, 94161, 94163, 94164, 94172, 94177, 94188. If your ZIP is on this list, a call connects you with a company that serves it.
Victorians and Edwardians have plaster walls, original wood and older plumbing, while Sunset and Richmond row houses share walls and often have ground-floor garages converted to living space. Many homes have been divided into flats or have added in-law units, so leaks often affect more than one household.
Licensing in California: California requires contractors on jobs of $500 or more (labor and materials) to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Check the license on the CSLB website.
What you can expect
- One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code.
- Fast call-back during business hours
- Serving San Francisco, CA
- Photo and moisture documentation for insurance
Fire & Smoke Damage at a glance
- Category
- Fire & smoke damage
- Emergency service
- Yes, call for fastest response
- Typical first step
- Secure the property
- Area
- San Francisco, CA
Other risks in San Francisco
Winter storms and leaks
Atmospheric river storms, like the 2022–23 series, cause roof leaks and flood low-lying streets.
Fog and moisture
Persistent fog in the Sunset and Richmond keeps homes damp, encouraging mold.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes can break pipes and water heaters; the 1989 Loma Prieta quake damaged buildings across the city.
Street-level units
Garages and in-law units below street level take on water during heavy rain.
Signs you need fire & smoke damage
- Black or gray film on walls, ceilings and windows
- Smoke odor that returns on warm or humid days
- Water damage from firefighting
How the work is done
Secure the property, then Remove water, then Clean soot and smoke, then Remove odor, then Restore and rebuild. See the full fire & smoke damage process.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on the job, so restoration companies in San Francisco quote after an assessment. The main drivers are how much area is affected, how long it stayed wet, and what has to be removed or rebuilt. See the full list of fire & smoke damage cost factors.
Fire & Smoke Damage questions
Do I need a permit for repairs in San Francisco?
Structural, plumbing and electrical repairs need permits from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection.
How do I verify a California contractor?
Search the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license lookup.
Can I clean soot myself?
Light dry soot in a small area sometimes can be, but wiping often smears it deeper. Larger areas, oily soot and anything involving odor are best left to professionals with the right cleaning methods.
Does homeowners insurance cover smoke damage from a wildfire?
Usually yes, even if the fire didn't reach your home. Document the damage, including ash and odor, and report it to your insurer quickly.
Related pages
Other services in San Francisco
Fire & Smoke Damage in nearby cities
More about water and storm damage in San Francisco, or see fire & smoke damage nationwide.
Related services
Fire damage restoration
Fire damage restoration secures the property, removes debris, cleans soot from surfaces and contents, removes smoke odor, dries water left by firefighting, and repairs the structure.
Learn more
Smoke odor removal
Smoke odor removal works by cleaning the residue that causes the smell, then neutralizing what's left with thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators or ozone, and sealing surfaces that still hold odor.
Learn moreSoot cleanup
Soot cleanup removes the oily or dry carbon residue left by fire, furnace puffbacks or candles, using dry chemical sponges and HEPA vacuums before any wet cleaning.
Learn moreWater, mold or fire damage? Get the right crew on it.
One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Fast call-back during business hours.