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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

Oven Fire Causes Smoke and Soot Damage in Eugene Home?

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

A person uses a fire extinguisher to put out an oven fire. We are certified to restore fire, smoke, and soot damage in Lane County.

When my oven caught fire, I was lucky to have a fire extinguisher close by. I put out the fire quickly, but my house smelled like smoke and I had soot damage on the kitchen walls. My neighbor told me to call the team in South Eugene and Florence and I’m glad I did!

The team arrived quickly and immediately went to work. They removed all of the oily smoke and soot from the kitchen walls, ceilings, and other surfaces exposed to the smoke and soot damage. Then, the team cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected all of the restorable items damaged by the fire. They used a variety of cleaning techniques to restore my kitchen and other belongings to pre-fire condition. They also removed the smoke odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. Now, you would never know I had a fire in my kitchen!

Fire Damage Restoration Process

Although every fire loss is different, we use the same process to restore fire damage as follows:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Step 7: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Eugene has fire, soot, and smoke damage, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Clothes Dryer Fire Caused by Clogged Lint Trap in Wolf Creek Home?

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

A clogged lint trap is shown. We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lane County.

Our local South Eugene and Florence teams see the damage failed household appliances can cause to homes in Wolf Creek. In a report published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of clothes dryer fires was the failure to clean them. Here are some tips for operating your clothes dryer safely from the NFPA:

  • Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional
  • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
  • Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry
  • Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time
  • Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating
  • Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you
  • Keep dryers in good working order
  • Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly
  • Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer
  • Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Wolf Creek has fire damage, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Is Your Home in Eugene Prepared for Wildfire Risk?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

A wildfire is burning. We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in Lane County.

It’s wildfire season and our local South Eugene and Florence teams want everyone to be prepared for wildfire risk. The Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal urges residents to create a buffer of defensible space between their home or business and the grass, trees, shrubs, and any wildland area that surrounds it.

The National Fire Protection Association suggests choosing fire-resistant building materials and limiting the amount of flammable vegetation in three home ignition zones.

  • Trim branches that overhang the home, porch, and deck
  • Prune branches of large trees up to 6 to 10 feet from the ground
  • Remove plants containing resins, oils, and waxes
  • Use crushed stone or gravel instead of flammable mulches from 0 to 5 feet around the house
  • Keep your landscape in good condition

Wildfires can send embers flying up to three to five miles ahead of a large flame front, so any steps to protect your property in advance of a fire threat will minimize the chances of sustaining wildfire damage.

Call Us Today!

We hope you stay safe from fire damage this wildfire season, but if you need fire damage restoration services in your Eugene home or commercial business, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Elderly Couple Saved by Smoke Detector in Florence?

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke rises towards a smoke detector. We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lane County.

Our local South Eugene and Florence teams respond to fire damage emergencies every year and offer these fire safety tips for elderly populations from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Keep it low
    If you don't live in an apartment building, consider sleeping in a room on the ground floor in order to make emergency escape easier. Make sure that smoke alarms are installed in every sleeping room and outside any sleeping area. Have a telephone installed where you sleep in case of emergency. When looking for an apartment or high-rise home, look for one with an automatic sprinkler system.
  • Sound the alarm
    If anyone in your household is deaf or if your own hearing is diminished, consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light or vibration to alert you to a fire emergency. 
  • Do the drill
    Conduct your own, or participate in, regular fire drills to make sure you know what to do in the event of a home fire. If you or someone you live with cannot escape alone, designate a member of the household to assist, and decide on backups in case the designee isn't home.
  • Open up
    Make sure that you are able to open all doors and windows in your home.
  • Stay connected
    Keep a telephone nearby, along with emergency phone numbers so that you can communicate with emergency personnel if you're trapped in your room by fire or smoke.

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in Florence, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Often Should I Test the Smoke Detectors in my Florence Home?

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

A person tests a smoke detector. We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Lane County.

Smoke alarms play a critical role in a home fire escape plan. When working, smoke alarms give early warnings of fire danger so people can get outside quickly. Our South Eugene and Florence teams respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Florence and offer these smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety
  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
  • Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • Today's smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us Today!

When your Florence home or business has fire damage, our South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® We'll restore your damage "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Electrical Cord Fire in Florence Home?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

A damaged electrical cord is shown. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Lane County.

Our South Eugene and Florence teams are trained and certified to restore fire damage by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Extension cords can cause fires, injuries, and even death when improperly used. Here are some extension cord safety tips from The Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI):

  • Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground
  • Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring
  • Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors
  • Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance
  • Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together
  • Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip is rated for the products to be plugged in and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use
  • Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way
  • Never use three-prong plugs with outlets with only two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
  • Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), or Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Florence has a fire damage emergency, our South Eugene and Florence team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fireplace Fire in Wolf Creek Home?

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Indoor fireplace with wood in it. We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lane County.

Our South Eugene and Florence teams have been restoring fire damage for Wolf Creek homes and businesses for many years. Most of us use our fireplaces during the fall and winter seasons. Creosote buildup in chimneys is one of the leading causes of chimney fires in the United States.

Here are some fireplace and woodstove safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for preventing creosote buildup.

Limited air supply and unseasoned wood encourage the buildup of creosote. To avoid that buildup, do not restrict the air supply by:

  • Closing the glass doors
  • Not opening the damper wide enough
  • The longer the smoke is in the flue, the more likely it is that creosote will form
  • Closing down the stove damper or air inlets on a wood stove too soon or too much
  • Do not burn unseasoned wood
  • In the case of wood stoves, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote buildup

Fireplace and Woodstove Safety

  • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out
  • Do not burn paper in your fireplace or woodstove
  • Put ashes in a metal container with a lid outside, at least three feet from your home
  • Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home

Call Us Today!

When your Wolf Creek home or commercial business has a fire damage emergency, our South Eugene and Florence team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Escape Planning for Eugene Families?

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

A family is reviewing their fire escape plan. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Lane County.

Do you have a home fire escape plan in place, and has everyone in the home practiced using it? Our South Eugene and Florence team have been restoring fire damage for families in Eugene for many years. One critical component of fire safety is the creation of a fire escape plan. Here are some escape planning tips for the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all of the doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
  • Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
  • Have a designated place (tree, mailbox, light pole) a safe distance away from the house where everyone should meet
  • Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home twice a year
  • Practice using different ways out
  • Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them
  • Close doors behind you as you leave

Call Us Today!

When your Eugene home or business has fire damage, our South Eugene and Florence team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Safety Tips for Children in Florence?

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

A family roasts marshmallows over a campfire. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lane County.

Florence families can trust our South Eugene and Florence teams to restore fire damage efficiently. Here are some fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your children safe:

  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet
  • Closely supervise children, making sure that they are kept away from other fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, bonfires, and stoves
  • It is natural for young children to be curious, ask questions about fire, play with fire trucks, or pretend to cook. Use these opportunities to teach them about fire safety.
  • Explain that fire moves quickly and can hurt as soon as it touches them. Tell them this is why matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
  • Teach young children never to touch matches or lighters and to tell a grown-up when matches or lighters are found
  • Establish clear rules and consequences for unsupervised and unauthorized uses of fire
  • Be a good example! Always safely use fire sources — matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, and campfires. Never treat them as toys, or children may imitate you.
  • Talk with children about what their friends or other children are doing with fire. Teach them specific ways to resist the peer pressure to misuse fire.
  • Give praise for showing respect and age-appropriate responsible behavior toward fire

Call Us Today!

When your Florence home or commercial business has fire damage, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Damaged Photo and Document Restoration Services in Eugene?

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Old family photos are shown. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Lane County.

Eugene residents and businesses can trust our local South Eugene and Florence team to clean and restore fire-damaged photos and documents. Although we may not be able to save them all, we can save many and prevent these items from getting more damaged.

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

  • Air Drying
  • Dehumidification
  • Freezer Drying
  • Vacuum Freeze Drying
  • Vacuum Thermal Drying

Contents Restoration Services

For other items damaged by fire, we pretest everything before cleaning to ensure we use the most effective cleaning method. We use several methods for cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used to clean light residues or pre-clean before wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning – This method is effective for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe - Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves the agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us Today!

Home fires can happen at any time. When you have a fire damage emergency in your Eugene home or commercial business, our local South Eugene and Florence team will clean and restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Prevent a Grilling Fire in Pleasant Hill?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

A person is grilling food outdoors. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lane County.

It’s July, and it’s time to spend more time outdoors enjoying the long summer days. Our South Eugene and Florence team wants everyone to be safe while grilling outdoors in Pleasant Hill. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 10,600 fires are started each year by outdoor grills. Here are some grilling safety tips from the NFPA:

Propane and Charcoal Grills

  • Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill
  • Never leave your grill unattended

Propane Grills

  • Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year
  • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose
  • A propane leak will release bubbles

Call Us Today!

Fires can break out at any time and for many reasons. When your Pleasant Hill home or business has fire damage, our local South Eugene and Florence team will restore the fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Outdoor Electric Party Light Fire in Wolf Creek?

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Strings of outdoor party lights and lit in preparation for a garden party. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lane County.

Our South Eugene and Florence team restores fire damage in the Wolf Creek area throughout the year. Here is some information from the National Fire Protection Association for staying safe around electrical equipment and powerlines.

Powerlines

Have a professional tree cutting service trim branches that might fall on electric wiring. Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder outside. Keep the ladder at least 10 feet away from power lines. Never touch anyone or anything in contact with a downed wire. Power lines may be live; stay a safe distance away. Report downed wires to authorities right away.

Equipment Safety

  • Have a qualified electrician do all electrical work
  • To prevent an electric shock, make sure all your outside electrical receptacles are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
  • Use lighting and power tools that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and make sure they are made for outdoor use
  • Store your electric tools indoors
  • Keep electric tools away from children
  • Check lighting and extension cords for damage before using. Replace damaged cords right away.
  • Use extension cords that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and are marked for outdoor use. Extension cords are not meant for long-term use.

Call Us Today!

When your Wolf Creek home or business has fire damage, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Protect My Home From Wind-Driven Rain Storm Damage in Wolf Creek?

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

A rainstorm is dumping rain onto a home. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lane County!

Water damage is one of the most common causes of property damage, costing billions in damages each year. Wolf  Creek residents can count on our South Eugene and Florence team to restore storm damage day and night. Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute for protecting your home’s exterior from stormwater intrusion:

  • Caulk and seal windows to guard against water seepage
  • Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, and aging shingles and make necessary repairs
  • Check your downspouts. Remove debris that may have accumulated in downspouts and rain gutters. Position downspouts so that they direct water away from the house.
  • Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to be sure they are not creating water damage to the walls and foundations of the house. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes.
  • Install gutter guards to prevent gutter clogs and keep water flowing away from the house instead of accumulating on the roof

Call Us!

You never know when a storm will cause water damage to your home. If your Wolf Creek home or commercial business suffers storm damage, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help.® We’ll restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Is Smoke Odor Equipment Used to Remove Smoke Damage in Florence?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke rises towards a smoke detector. We restore fire damage 365 days a year in Lane County!

Our South Eugene and Florence team uses a variety of specialized equipment to remove any form of smoke odor as follows:

Air Scrubber or Filter

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system (HVAC) air scrubber, or a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) air purifier can capture larger smoke molecules. There will still be some residual odor from smaller molecules or surface residues.

Ozone Generator

An ozone generator is a fast and highly effective smoke odor restoration method. These machines emit ozone, which follows the same paths through the air as smoke and oxidizes any residual traces in the air or on surfaces.

Thermal Fogging

Thermal fogging is an intensive treatment involving fogging machines. After residents evacuate, smoke cleaning professionals fill a structure with petroleum distillates that neutralize odors and ventilate the area.

Hydroxyl Generator

A hydroxyl generator is a slower and gentler alternative to ozone. These machines rely on ultraviolet light to generate hydroxyl radicals that eliminate smoke odors. It will take about three to five days of continuous operation to achieve the same results as a single ozone treatment.

Vapor Modification

Vapor modification is another odor elimination method that relies on aromatic compounds and a blower or fan to neutralize smoke odor

Call Us Today!

When your Florence home or business has fire damage, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help.® Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wildfire Landscaping Tips for Florence Homes?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

A view of an orange-colored smoky sky from a forest fire in Oregon. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lane County.

Our South Eugene and Florence team responds to fire damage emergencies every year in Florence. Wildfires often occur with little or no advanced warning. You can reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your property by taking preventative measures. Here are some landscaping tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Tips for Landscaping Around Your Home

  • REMOVE dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first five feet of the home
  • KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to help reduce fire intensity
  • PRUNE tree limbs, so the lowest branches are six to ten feet above the ground to help reduce the chance of fire getting into the crowns of the trees
  • MOVE construction material, trash, and woodpiles at least thirty feet away from the home and other outbuildings
  • DISPOSE of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings that you have cut to reduce fuel for fire

Exterior Tips for Your Home

  • REMOVE leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and under the deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home
  • INSPECT shingles or roof tiles. REPLACE missing shingles or tiles. COVER ends of tiles with bird stops or cement to help prevent ember penetration during a wildfire.

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Florence has fire damage, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wildfire Safety Plan for Young People in Wolf Creek?

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

clip board with emergency plan We are trusted leaders in fire damage mitigation in Wolf Creek.

Home Alone in Wolf Creek?

Do you have an evacuation plan in place for your kids in the event they are home alone when a wildfire or home fire breaks out? SERVPRO of South Eugene / Florence wants Wolf Creek families to know that having an evacuation plan in place for your loved ones to follow when you aren’t home can save lives. Here are some tips from the National Fire Prevention Association for developing a plan:

  • Work with a trusted neighbor close by who know your children and can evacuate them
  • Set up a schedule with other working parents in the neighborhood so that someone is always at home and can make sure the children are safe
  • Pack a “Go Bag” with treasured items, water, food, prescriptions they can grab and leave with quickly
  • Practice together with their pets if time allows to crate them for removal
  • Have a designated contact, like an out-of-town family member programmed into their cell phone so you can find each other quickly

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of South Eugene / Florence is ready to respond 24-hours a day.

Caring For Fire-Damaged Belongings in Wolf Creek?

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

An old box holds many family keepsakes. We are trusted leaders in fire cleanup and restoration services in Lane County.

Wolf Creek Residents Need to Know About These Services!

Our local South Eugene and Florence team is trained and certified to clean and restore fire-damaged keepsakes and belongings. Whenever possible, we work to “restore versus replace” your household belongings and personal effects. Depending on the items being cleaned, we may use any of the following cleaning methods:

  • Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Electronic Equipment

  • Television sets
  • DVD players
  • Computers
  • And more

Document and Photograph Drying

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have five options for the restoration of documents:

  • Air Drying
  • Dehumidification
  • Freezer Drying
  • Vacuum Freeze Drying
  • Vacuum Thermal Drying

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Wolf Creek home or commercial business, our local South Eugene and Florence team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire-damaged belongings, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-345-0115.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.