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
- 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.
- Content Cleaning:
- Clean hard surfaces with approved methods and HEPA vacuum upholstered and soft contents. Repackage any exposed contents to minimize contamination.
- Odour Neutralization:
- Once soot is removed, reassess for odour neutralizers such as Biosweep if smoke odours persist.
- 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.