Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration San Antonio TX | IICRC Certified
Fire damage is significantly more complex than most homeowners anticipate. Beyond the materials directly damaged by flames, smoke and soot infiltrate every accessible space in a structure during a fire — embedding in HVAC ductwork, staining porous surfaces, and leaving acidic residue that continues actively corroding metals and fabrics for days and weeks after the fire is out. The water used to extinguish the fire adds another significant damage layer, with potential Category 2 contamination from fire suppression chemicals. And the structure is now exposed to weather intrusion if the roof or walls were compromised.
Rhino Restoration provides comprehensive fire and smoke damage restoration following the IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Restoration. We begin with emergency board-up and tarping to secure your property against weather and unauthorized entry — this can often happen within hours of the fire. Our complete damage assessment covers both direct fire damage and the full extent of smoke, soot, and water damage throughout the structure.
We use specialized dry-chemical sponges, wet cleaning agents, and HEPA vacuuming protocols to clean soot and smoke residue from all affected surfaces — including ceilings, walls, structural members, HVAC components, and personal contents. Professional deodorization using thermal fogging, ozone treatment, or hydroxyl generators eliminates smoke odor at the molecular level, not just at the surface. We work directly with your insurance carrier and provide complete Xactimate documentation to support your claim.
Our Process
Emergency Board-Up and Property Security within Hours
Complete Fire and Smoke Damage Scope Assessment
Smoke and Soot Removal from All Structural Surfaces
HVAC System Cleaning and Duct Deodorization
Content Cleaning and Restoration Evaluation
Professional Deodorization — Thermal Fogging and Ozone
Structural Drying for Fire Suppression Water Damage
Full Reconstruction and Restoration to Pre-Loss Condition
Why Choose Rhino Restoration
IICRC S700 fire restoration standard compliance
Emergency board-up within hours of fire event
Eliminates smoke odor — not just masks it temporarily
Content cleaning and restoration to minimize losses
Full HVAC system cleaning included
Direct insurance coordination and Xactimate documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do after a fire?
Do not re-enter the structure until fire marshals have cleared it as structurally safe. Call your insurance company to report the claim, then call a restoration company for emergency board-up and damage assessment. Do not attempt to clean soot or smoke damage yourself — improper cleaning can permanently set stains and spread contamination.
Can smoke-damaged items be restored?
Many smoke-damaged items can be professionally cleaned and restored, including furniture, clothing, documents, electronics, and artwork. Professional content restoration is almost always less expensive than replacement and is documented for insurance purposes. We assess all contents and provide a restoration versus replacement recommendation for each category.
How do you get rid of smoke smell after a fire?
Smoke odor is caused by microscopic particulates that penetrate porous materials and chemically bond to surfaces. Surface cleaning alone does not eliminate the odor — it requires professional deodorization using thermal fogging (which disperses a deodorizing agent in a particle size that mirrors how smoke traveled), ozone treatment, or hydroxyl generators that neutralize odor-causing compounds at the molecular level.
Will insurance cover fire and smoke damage?
Fire and smoke damage is one of the most broadly covered perils under standard homeowner's insurance policies. Both the structural damage and personal property losses are typically covered, subject to your policy limits and deductible. We work directly with your adjuster, provide all required Xactimate documentation, and handle supplemental claims if additional damage is discovered during restoration.