After a structure fire, the visible flame damage is only the beginning. The real, pervasive threat comes from smoke and soot particulates that migrate far from the source. These residues are not just “dirt”, they are a complex cocktail of carbon, acids, and toxic compounds that actively corrode surfaces and compromise the health of occupants. Smoke and soot removal is a non-negotiable step in any post-fire recovery.
Our work begins where the QFES response ends. We are not general cleaners. We deploy IICRC-certified technicians who understand the specific chemistry of soot and its behaviour in the Queensland climate.
Our primary objective is to remove these hazardous substances completely. A simple surface wipe-down is insufficient. The goal is to create a safe environment for your family or employees, ensuring that invisible toxins settled on surfaces and within the air are neutralized and removed according to IICRC standards.
Soot is acidic. When left untreated, it actively corrodes metal fixtures, etches glass, and causes permanent staining on paint and natural stone. Within days, the damage can become irreversible. Prompt and correct removal prevents this long-term deterioration, protecting the value and integrity of your property.
The lingering smell of smoke is more than an unpleasant reminder of the fire. It’s evidence of microscopic particles embedded in porous materials throughout your home. Our process targets these odour-causing particles at a molecular level, not by masking them with fragrances but by chemically neutralizing them, ensuring the odour does not return.
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Our first action on-site is not cleaning, but assessment. An IICRC Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) will conduct a full analysis, using tape-lift samples and chemical sponges to identify the exact type of soot present (dry, wet, protein, etc.). This dictates the entire remediation strategy. We document the migration path of the smoke, identifying how far particulates have travelled through the structure.
Before any cleaning, we establish critical containment. This involves sealing off affected areas from unaffected ones using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting and creating negative air pressure environments with equipment like the Phoenix Guardian HEPA System. This unit creates 1400 CFM of airflow, ensuring that as we disturb soot during cleaning, all airborne particles are captured and not cross-contaminate other areas of the property.
Based on Step 1, we deploy specific techniques.
Your HVAC system is a primary vector for spreading soot and odour. We use specialised duct cleaning equipment to clean and decontaminate all ductwork, registers, and the air handling unit itself, often replacing all filters as a final step. This ensures the system circulates clean, not contaminated, air.
Lingering odours are caused by microscopic particles embedded in porous materials. To combat this, we use two key technologies:
We understand the value of your belongings. Our team carefully inventories, packs, and transports salvageable items to our Stapylton facility for specialised cleaning. This can include anything from clothing and upholstery to electronics, using techniques like ultrasonic cleaning for hard goods and specialised laundering for textiles.
We provide comprehensive documentation for your insurance claim, including initial assessments, moisture maps, photographic evidence, equipment logs, and a detailed list of actions taken. This defensible documentation, aligned with the IICRC S700 standard, is critical for facilitating a smooth claims process with insurers like Suncorp, who are increasingly referencing these standards.
Our technicians are certified by the IICRC, the industry’s governing body for restoration standards. They are not just cleaners; they are trained in the chemistry of fire, the physics of smoke, and the protocols of remediation. We equip them with industry-leading technology:
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These units are non-negotiable for site safety. They filter airborne particulates down to 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency, creating clean air zones and are essential for protecting both our teams and your property from cross-contamination.
We use these for applying thermal fogging solutions. Their ability to replicate smoke behaviour ensures the deodorizing agent reaches deep into every affected material for permanent odour removal.
Firefighting efforts introduce large volumes of water. We use thermal imaging and non-invasive meters to locate hidden pockets of moisture behind walls and under floors, a critical step to prevent the secondary outbreak of mould, which thrives in Queensland’s humid climate.
Our inventory includes a full range of pH-balanced cleaning solutions, enzymatic digesters, and solvency agents. This allows us to precisely match the cleaning agent to the soot type and the affected material, from delicate fabrics to structural concrete.
