Key takeaways
- Typical cost: $2,900–$38,325 per typical job, about $20,470 on average.
- Average restoration: about $20,470
- Typical range: $2,900–$38,325
- Smoke odor removal: $200–$1,135
- Timeline: Small kitchen fires can be cleaned in days.
- Permits: Structural, electrical and HVAC repairs after a fire require permits and inspections.
Fire Damage Restoration Cost at a glance
Fire damage restoration averages about $20,470, with most jobs costing $2,900–$38,325. Small kitchen fires with smoke damage sit at the low end; structural fires that need rebuilding and water cleanup from firefighting cost far more.
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire and smoke restoration (overall) | $2,900–$38,325 | National average about $20,470 |
| Per square foot | $4.25–$6.50 | Whole-home cleaning and restoration |
| Smoke damage/odor removal | $200–$1,135 | Varies by size and severity |
| Thermal fogging | $200–$585 | Neutralizes odor in cavities |
| Ozone treatment | $235–$465 | Home must be vacant during treatment |
| Dry soot cleanup | $400–$700 | Fast-burning paper/wood fires |
Prices run lowest in states like Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama and highest in Hawaii, California and Alaska. See the full breakdown and cost by state →
Fire Damage Restoration cost questions
- What is the cost of fire and smoke restoration (overall)? The typical cost of fire and smoke restoration (overall) is $2,900–$38,325. National average about $20,470.
- What is the cost of per square foot? The typical cost of per square foot is $4.25–$6.50. Whole-home cleaning and restoration.
- What is the cost of smoke damage/odor removal? The typical cost of smoke damage/odor removal is $200–$1,135. Varies by size and severity.
- What is the cost of thermal fogging? The typical cost of thermal fogging is $200–$585. Neutralizes odor in cavities.
- What is the cost of ozone treatment? The typical cost of ozone treatment is $235–$465. Home must be vacant during treatment.
- What is the cost of dry soot cleanup? The typical cost of dry soot cleanup is $400–$700. Fast-burning paper/wood fires.
- What is the cost of oily soot cleanup? The typical cost of oily soot cleanup is $1,000+. Grease and plastic fires — harder to clean.
- What is the cost of water damage from firefighting? The typical cost of water damage from firefighting is $1,270–$5,375. Extraction and drying.
What to do after a house fire
- Don't re-enter until the fire department says it's safe.
- Call your insurer to start a claim and ask about temporary housing.
- Secure the property — board-up and roof tarping prevent further damage and theft.
- Photograph and inventory damage before cleanup.
- Hire a fire restoration company to start soot and water mitigation quickly.
- Keep every receipt for living expenses.
Don't wipe soot with a damp cloth or run your HVAC — both can spread and set soot deeper.
Types of smoke and soot
| Type | Source | Cleaning difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Dry smoke | Fast-burning paper or wood | Easier — powdery soot |
| Wet smoke | Smoldering plastic or rubber | Hard — sticky, strong odor |
| Protein residue | Burned food | Nearly invisible but strong odor; discolors paint |
| Fuel/oil soot | Furnace puff-backs, oil | Hard — oily, dense |
The restoration process
- Inspection and damage assessment.
- Board-up, tarping and water extraction.
- Removal of debris and unsalvageable materials.
- Soot cleaning of walls, ceilings and contents.
- Odor removal with HEPA air scrubbing, thermal fogging or ozone/hydroxyl treatment.
- Repairs and rebuilding — drywall, paint, flooring, structure.
Common fire damage restoration questions
How much does fire damage restoration cost?
Fire and smoke restoration typically costs about $2,900–$38,325. Whole-home cleaning runs roughly $4.25–$6.50 per square foot nationally, and structural rebuilds cost more.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
A small kitchen fire can be cleaned in days. Major fires that need structural repairs take weeks to many months.
Can I stay in my house after a small fire?
Only after the fire department says it is safe. Soot and smoke residue can be hazardous, and most policies include additional living expenses (ALE) coverage for temporary housing.
Does homeowners insurance cover smoke damage?
Most standard policies cover fire and smoke damage, including smoke from nearby wildfires. Check your policy for exclusions and limits.
How do you get the smoke smell out of a house?
Clean every surface, replace HVAC filters and clean the ducts, then treat the odor with thermal fogging, ozone or hydroxyl generators. Heavy odor may need sealing primer on walls.
Should I clean soot myself?
It is not recommended. Soot is acidic and oily, and the wrong cleaner smears it deeper into surfaces. Professionals use dry sponges and specialized cleaners.
What is additional living expenses coverage?
ALE pays for temporary housing, meals and other extra costs while your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.
What should I do in the first 24 hours after a house fire?
Get clearance to enter, call your insurer, secure the property with board-up and tarps, photograph damage and start a list of damaged belongings.
Timeline, permits and DIY
How long it takes
Small kitchen fires can be cleaned in days. Major fires take several weeks to many months to rebuild.
Permits
Structural, electrical and HVAC repairs after a fire require permits and inspections.
DIY or hire a pro?
Soot is acidic and can be toxic, so professional cleaning is the safe choice. You can photograph damage and list belongings for your claim.
Questions to ask contractors
Ask every bidder the same questions so you can compare quotes apples to apples.
- Do you handle board-up, cleaning, contents and rebuild?
- Will you work directly with my insurance adjuster?
- How do you remove smoke odor: thermal fogging, ozone or hydroxyl?
- Do you inventory and pack out contents?
Maintenance that prevents costly repairs
- Test smoke alarms monthly
- Clean the dryer vent once a year
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
Frequently asked questions
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Smoke-only cleanup can take a few days to two weeks. Restoring structural damage often takes several months, depending on permits and insurance.
Can smoke damage be permanently removed?
Yes, with professional cleaning, sealing and odor treatment. Porous items like mattresses and some upholstery may need replacing.
Is it safe to live in a house with smoke damage?
Soot contains particles and chemicals you shouldn't breathe. Stay elsewhere until cleaning and air scrubbing are complete.
Should I clean soot myself?
Light smoke film on hard surfaces can be handled with dry chemical sponges. Anything more than a small area is best left to pros because improper cleaning sets stains.
Does insurance cover temporary housing after a fire?
Most homeowners policies include Additional Living Expenses (Loss of Use) coverage for hotels, rentals and extra costs while your home is repaired.
What should I throw away after a fire?
Discard food, medicine and cosmetics exposed to heat or smoke, and burned or soot-covered items that can't be cleaned. Document items before discarding.
How do I get smoke smell out of my house?
Remove soot, clean every surface, replace HVAC filters, clean ducts, and use professional odor treatment like thermal fogging or hydroxyl generators.
In-depth fire damage restoration guides
Fire Damage Restoration by city
Sources: LawnStarter — Fire and smoke restoration cost (2026). Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.