A kitchen fire can be one of the most terrifying and disruptive events for a homeowner. Even a small cooking mishap can leave behind significant smoke damage, structural issues, and lingering odors that don’t go away on their own. Once the flames are out and everyone is safe, the next question is: what happens now? At American Restoration Contractors (ARC), we understand how overwhelming post-fire recovery can feel. That’s why we’re breaking down what steps to take immediately, what to avoid, and how professional kitchen fire restoration can safely return your home to pre-fire condition.
Prioritize Safety First
Before anything else, make sure your home is safe to re-enter. Even if the fire was localized, smoke and soot can travel throughout the house, contaminating air ducts, surfaces, and soft materials. If the fire department shut off utilities like gas or electricity, do not attempt to restore them yourself. Wait until a licensed professional confirms it’s safe. Structural damage isn’t always obvious to the untrained eye, so resist the urge to start cleaning until a restoration team has assessed the space.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once everyone is safe and the fire is out, your next call should be to your homeowner’s insurance company. The sooner you file a claim, the better. Take photos of the damage before doing any cleanup. This documentation will help support your claim and provide evidence for the adjuster. ARC can assist with this process by providing detailed assessments, repair estimates, and photographs that insurance companies require.
Don’t Clean Up Without Professional Guidance
It’s natural to want to start scrubbing away soot or smoke residue—but resist the urge. Cleaning fire damage improperly can actually make it worse. For example, dry wiping soot can smear it further into surfaces, and water-based cleaners on the wrong materials can cause permanent staining. Kitchen fires often involve burning food, plastic, grease, and synthetic materials, which release toxic residues that need to be handled with protective gear. ARC uses specialized fire restoration tools and EPA-approved cleaning agents to ensure damage is removed safely and correctly.
Understand the Full Scope of Fire and Smoke Damage
Even if the fire was small and contained, the smoke damage can be widespread. Particles and odors can infiltrate HVAC systems, cabinets, insulation, walls, and ceilings. Grease fires in particular create a sticky residue that clings to hard-to-reach places. Smoke can also cause corrosion on appliances, electrical panels, and metal surfaces over time if left untreated. ARC’s team is trained to identify all affected areas, including hidden damage behind walls or inside ductwork, so that nothing is missed in the restoration process.
Let Professionals Handle Soot and Odor Removal
Removing smoke odors from a kitchen fire requires more than just surface cleaning or airing out the space. It often involves thermal fogging, ozone treatments, and sealing of porous surfaces to fully eliminate lingering smells. Soot must be removed carefully from walls, ceilings, cabinetry, tile, and countertops using proper techniques and equipment. At ARC, our IICRC-certified technicians are experienced in handling every type of kitchen fire—from stove-top blazes to electrical fires behind walls—and restoring both the structure and indoor air quality.
Begin Repairs and Reconstruction
Once all debris, soot, and odors are removed, the repair phase begins. This might include replacing drywall, repainting, refinishing or rebuilding cabinetry, installing new appliances, and updating damaged plumbing or electrical. ARC works with homeowners to create a personalized repair plan that restores both function and aesthetics. Whether it’s a light cosmetic fix or a full kitchen rebuild, we manage the entire project from start to finish so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors.
Act Fast and Let ARC Handle the Hard Part
Recovering from a kitchen fire takes more than just elbow grease—it requires safety knowledge, specialized tools, and a structured plan. Acting quickly is key to minimizing long-term damage and costs. At American Restoration Contractors, we offer comprehensive fire restoration, including emergency response, smoke and soot removal, insurance documentation, and full reconstruction. Our team understands the emotional and financial stress these situations create, and we’re here to handle every detail so you can focus on moving forward. Contact ARC today for a free damage assessment or emergency fire restoration services.
