If you’re a city or county official in California, you’ve probably seen firsthand how wildfires can shake a whole community. In the aftermath, the flames may be out, but the real work? That’s just getting started.
Whether you’re responsible for schools, public facilities, or city infrastructure, having a solid game plan for fire and smoke damage recovery isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. This guide walks you through how to respond effectively to fire and smoke damage restoration in California without the stress and confusion.
Safety First, Always
Okay, before we talk cleanup or contracts, we’ve got to talk safety. You can’t restore what you can’t safely walk through.
- Walk the property with fire personnel to confirm there’s no active danger. That means no hotspots, unstable walls, or hidden hazards.
- Close the area to the public by putting up barriers and signage.
- Shut down utilities if there’s any doubt about the safety of your gas, electric, andor water lines. Better safe than sorry.
The goal here is to avoid more damage or injuries. Give your team (and contractors) a safe space to work from the beginning.
Use Those Emergency Contracts (Or Make One Fast!)
Now’s the time to call your trusted vendors. Hopefully, you’ve got a pre-approved contract ready to go for fire and smoke damage. If not, don’t panic, but move fast!
What you want in a vendor:
- They’re local and can get boots on the ground fast.
- They should know how California wildfires behave.
- They’re flexible and available 24/7, even on weekends or holidays.
West Coast Fire & Water is one of those go-to teams. We’ve responded to major events across the state, Paradise, the Woolsey Fire, and plenty more.
Take Photos, Lots of Them
Before a broom hits the ground, it’s time to document.
- Snap multiple wide-angle shots and close-ups of every room.
- Note specific damaged items, furniture, electronics, documents, etc. Especially expensive items or equipment critical to your facility.
- Keep detailed logs of what’s lost and what might be salvageable.
Why so much documentation? Insurance, FEMA reimbursements, and transparency. It’s also the first step in telling your community, “We’ve got this under control.”
Call in the Restoration Pros, Not Just a Cleanup Crew
This isn’t just about scrubbing soot off walls. Fire and smoke damage is complex. You want a team that gets the full picture; smoke behavior, water damage from firefighting, structural impact, air quality, and more.
Questions to ask your restoration team:
- Are they certified (like IICRC)? That means they follow best practices.
- Have they worked on schools, libraries, city buildings, etc.?
- Can they communicate clearly and work fast?
Agencies across Northern California have worked with West Coast Fire & Water for this reason. We’ve helped restore everything from classrooms to courtrooms.
Keep the Community in the Loop
This might be the most underrated step: communication. People need to know what’s happening, even if the update is “We’re still waiting on clearance.” A little communication can go a long way.
- Use social media for real-time updates
- Send emails and press releases for major progress
- Hold town halls or digital Q&As for major situations
Being honest and transparent helps reduce frustration and builds public trust.
Don’t Skip the Air Quality Testing
Just because the smoke is physically gone doesn’t mean the danger is. Smoke can creep into vents, walls, and furniture, lingering long after the flames are out. And in places like schools or health clinics, that’s a big concern.
Have your restoration team:
- Run air quality tests before and after cleanup
- Deep-clean or replace HVAC filters
- Use air scrubbers, ozone machines, and deodorizers where needed
The air should be safe for everyone who walks in the door, from staff to students to service members.
Rebuild Stronger Than Before
This is your chance to future-proof your buildings.
Consider upgrades like:
- Fire-resistant roofing and siding
- Ember-resistant vents and screens
- Creating defensible space around buildings
Look Back So You Can Move Forward
Once the dust (and smoke) settles, don’t just move on. Sit down with your team, your vendors, and community leaders and ask:
- What went smoothly?
- Where did things bottleneck?
- What should we update in our emergency response plan?
This is how your agency gets faster, smarter, and stronger each time.
You’ve Got This and We’ve Got You – West Coast Fire & Water
If you need help now, or want to get ahead of the next emergency, reach out to West Coast Fire & Water. We’re ready, and we care.
Contact West Coast Fire & Water online now or give us a call at 888-617-3786 to set up your emergency response plan today.
