Fire and Smoke Damage Assessment – Indoor Storage Facility

Toronto and Area’s Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality and Mold Inspection Professionals

Introduction
Environmental Services Group Inc. (ESG) was retained by a Property Adjuster for a national insurance adjusting firm to assess fire and smoke damage at an indoor storage facility following a fire loss. The incident, originated from a customer using an electrical outlet to cut metal with a saw in a third-floor storage unit. This caused significant fire, smoke, and water damage to the structure and its contents.

Scope of Assessment

The purpose of the assessment was to identify residual fire- and smoke-related contamination and develop a scope of work for remediation. This included a detailed evaluation of building surfaces, HVAC systems, and affected contents to outline cleaning protocols for the restoration effort.

Key Activities

  • Visual Inspections: ESG conducted visual assessments and dry wiping tests to identify residual soot and smoke contamination on surfaces and contents.
  • Structural Damage Evaluation: Observed fireproofing damage, soot residue on walls and ceilings, and water damage from fire suppression efforts across the third floor.
  • HVAC Inspection: Evaluated HVAC systems, which had been operating during the fire and required cleaning and filter replacement.
  • Elevator Shaft: Inspected the elevator shaft, including a visual assessment of concealed building materials, elevator surfaces, and structural components to identify fire and water damage.
  • Content Contamination: Identified soot and smoke-affected contents in storage units and common areas, contributing to lingering odours.
  • Phase 1 Cleaning Scope: Developed a phased remediation plan starting from the source and extending toward the north side of the central aisle on the third floor.

Findings

  • Persistent smoke odours and visible soot residue were identified on walls, floors, and ceilings.
  • Approximately 80% of sprinklers on the third floor were activated, resulting in extensive water damage.
  • Fireproofing in the source area and adjacent stairwells was compromised and required reapplication.
  • The east elevator shaft showed fireproofing and water damage requiring repairs.

Recommendations

  1. Remediation Work:
    • Remove residual soot and smoke odour through HEPA vacuuming, dry sponging, and damp cleaning with detergents.
    • Clean and replace filters in the HVAC system following NADCA standards.
    • Reapply fireproofing in affected areas, including stairwells and elevator shafts.
  2. Content Cleaning:
    • Clean hard surfaces with approved methods and HEPA vacuum upholstered and soft contents. Repackage any exposed contents to minimize contamination.
  3. Odour Neutralization:
    • Once soot is removed, reassess for odour neutralizers such as Biosweep if smoke odours persist.
  4. Phase 1 Scope Execution:
    • Begin cleaning at the source unit and work systematically towards less impacted areas to ensure effective remediation.

Outcome

This comprehensive fire and smoke assessment provided the client with a structured remediation scope to address structural damage, contaminated contents, and odour mitigation. ESG’s expertise ensured the restoration process adhered to industry standards, facilitating a safe and effective return of the facility to pre-loss conditions.

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