Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Highland
Fire and smoke damage restoration in Highland, CA after fires like the Line Fire and Old Fire: ash and soot cleanup, odor removal, board-up and rebuild.
In September 2024, the Line Fire started inside Highland near Baseline and Aplin Street, and evacuation orders covered parts of east Highland before it pushed up into the San Bernardino Mountains. For longtime residents it brought back 2003, when the Old Fire threatened the city and forced evacuations across the area.
Our office is next door in San Bernardino. Our IICRC-certified techs clear smoke and ash from homes the flames never reached, restore homes that did burn and follow ANSI/IICRC S700 throughout, while our plumbers fix damaged water lines.
Serving Highland 24/7
- A real person answers, day or night
- Up-front pricing before any work
- CSLB Lic. #798425
- IICRC-certified restoration crews
What's different about fire & smoke damage restoration in Highland
Fires that start close to home
The Line Fire showed that a fire doesn't have to begin deep in the forest to threaten Highland. Brush near homes on the east side can carry fire quickly when winds pick up, and a house at the edge can take embers, radiant heat and dense smoke within hours of a start.
East Highlands Ranch at the base of the mountains
Homes in East Highlands Ranch and along Greenspot Road look up at steep, brushy slopes. Ash and smoke reach them first during a mountain fire, and fine residue can settle into stucco, roof vents and attic insulation.
Mud and runoff off fresh burn scars
Slopes stripped by fire can't hold rain the way they used to. For the first few winters after a burn, storms can carry ash, mud and rock toward foothill streets. Water that enters with debris is contaminated, so soaked drywall and carpet usually come out, and anything left damp invites mold.
Historic homes along Palm Avenue
Older houses near the Highland Historic District often have wood siding, plaster walls and original woodwork. Smoke clings to these porous surfaces, and they need gentler, slower cleaning than newer drywall. Homes from before 1978 may also have lead-based paint, which changes how damaged materials are removed.
Signs it's time to call
- Ash on the driveway, patio furniture or inside the garage
- A campfire smell in closets, bedding or the car
- Soot around ceiling registers or on the air filter
- Heat-warped vinyl windows, gutters or siding on the side facing the hills
- Mud lines on walls or doors after a storm below a burn area
How we handle it in Highland
Before anyone goes in, the house needs to be cleared by fire officials. After that, we inspect inside and out, board up and tarp if the structure is open, and sort what can be cleaned from what has to be replaced. Ash and soot are removed with HEPA vacuums and surface-appropriate cleaning, odor is treated in walls, fabrics and ductwork, and anything wet from fire hoses or broken pipes is dried, with moisture readings to confirm it.
California has special insurance rules after a declared wildfire emergency. According to the state Department of Insurance, policyholders generally get at least 24 months of additional living expense coverage, with extensions possible when rebuilding is delayed, though dollar limits still apply. Confirm the details with your insurer or the Department at 1-800-927-4357. We document the damage for your adjuster but can't promise what gets approved. More on our fire and smoke damage service and Highland restoration work.
Highland questions, answered
When can we go back in after an evacuation?+
Wait until officials lift the order and say your area is safe. Go in wearing a well-fitted N95 or P100 respirator plus gloves and long sleeves, keep children and pets out until the house is cleaned, and photograph everything before you move or toss anything.
Our house didn't burn. Do we still need help?+
Possibly. Smoke and ash travel well beyond the burn line and get into attics, ducts, carpets and fabrics. If you still smell smoke after airing the house out, or see ash or a gray film indoors, call us for an inspection.
How quickly can you get to Highland?+
Highland borders San Bernardino, where our office is, and we answer around the clock. Arrival for an emergency is usually within 1-2 hours, depending on your street and how many calls are already in.
Inland Empire neighbors trust First Call
4.8 from 35 Google reviews
“Jose was very knowledgeable and knew the area very well. Walked through everything with us and gave us suggestions and solutions. Would highly recommend.”
“Great price. Jose and his team did a great job unclogging and clearing my bathroom drain. Prior to him, I had three other plumbers out - First Call got it done.”
“Wonderful job! Jose was great! Prompt and stayed until the job was done!”
“Great price. We have used 3 different plumbing companies in the past that we weren't crazy about, so I decided to try this company - so glad I did. Jose provided fast, professional service.”
Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration nearby
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