Environmental sampling
After the Smitty's Supply Facility fire in August 2025, EPA, DEQ and LDH carried out environmental sampling and analysis (EPA).
Fire Damage Restoration
Fire damage restoration in Louisiana covers soot and smoke residue after a fire. Call (800) 764-5219 to describe the fire damage.
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What is fire damage restoration?
Fire damage restoration cleans soot and ash from a home after a fire, and removes the materials that cannot be cleaned (EPA).
Signs You Need Fire Damage Restoration
Sign What it looks like
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Soot or ash on surfaces
Soot and ash should be wet-cleaned, because dry sweeping stirs them into the air (EPA).
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Smoke odor
Odor is treated at the source. Ozone and hydroxyl generators are avoided, because they add chemicals to the air (EPA).
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Soot on heirlooms
Water and cleaning solutions drive soot deeper into a surface, so soot-covered heirlooms are not washed with water (FEMA).
How Fire Damage Restoration Works
Fire damage cleanup in Louisiana runs in five stages: protection, ventilation, wet cleaning, cleaning of hard surfaces and washable items, and ash disposal. Each stage starts only after the one before it is complete.
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1 Wear protective gear
Gloves, long sleeves, long pants, shoes and an N95 respirator protect the skin and lungs from ash (EPA).
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2 Ventilate the home
Open windows and doors if conditions allow, and use fans to exhaust contaminants outdoors (EPA).
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3 Wet-clean, do not dry sweep
Mist surfaces with water, then wet-mop. Use a HEPA vacuum, not a household or shop vacuum (EPA).
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4 Clean hard surfaces and washable items
Hard surfaces and washable items such as clothing and bedding can usually be cleaned (EPA).
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5 Seal the ash for disposal
Ash is sealed in bags or containers before it goes in the trash (EPA).
Need help with fire damage restoration?
Call (800) 764-5219 and describe the damage.
What to do first, and what not to do
What to do first
- Wash outside surfaces that soot or smoke may have reached (EPA).
- Wash your hands after touching outdoor surfaces that soot or smoke reached (EPA).
- Do not ingest deposited soot or touch areas of concentrated residue directly (EPA).
What not to do
- Do not ingest deposited soot or touch areas of concentrated residue directly (EPA).
Act fast
How Quickly to Act
- Before cleanup Check with local authorities whether cleanup is safe (EPA).
- During cleanup Keep children and pets away from ash-covered areas until cleanup is done (EPA).
- After cleanup If asbestos or other hazardous waste is suspected, contact the local hazardous waste authority (EPA).
How to Choose a Fire Damage Restoration Professional
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Ask about soot handling
Deposited soot is not ingested, and concentrated residue is not touched directly (EPA).
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Ask about sampling
Ask whether environmental sampling was carried out after the fire (EPA).
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Ask about hygiene steps
Outside surfaces that soot or smoke reached are washed, and hands are washed after contact (EPA).
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Ask about photos for insurance
Photographs of the damage are taken before cleanup starts (LSU AgCenter).
Why Louisiana Homes Need Fire Damage Restoration
Hygiene after the fire
Residents were advised to wash outside surfaces that soot or smoke may have reached, and to wash hands after contact (EPA, 2025).
Soot contact
Deposited soot should not be ingested, and areas of concentrated residue should not be touched directly (EPA, 2025).
Where Fire Damage Restoration Is Available
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Fire Damage Restoration questions
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Is soot safe to touch or swallow?
No. Do not ingest deposited soot or touch areas of concentrated residue (EPA).
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Should you wash outdoor surfaces after a fire?
Yes. Wash outside surfaces that soot or smoke may have reached, and wash your hands after touching them (EPA).
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Was the air or residue sampled after a Louisiana fire?
Yes. After the Smitty's Supply Facility fire, environmental sampling and analysis were carried out with local, state and federal officials (EPA).
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Can I wash soot off heirlooms with water?
No. Water and cleaning solutions drive soot deeper into the surface (FEMA).
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Do I need a respirator to clean up ash?
Yes. Wear an N95 respirator to avoid breathing in ash (EPA).
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Is ash safe to throw away?
Yes, once it is sealed in bags or containers (EPA).
Need fire damage restoration? Call now
- Describe where the water came from and what has been wet.
- You will be connected with a local team.