What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a House Fire

Experiencing a house fire is one of the most overwhelming events a homeowner can face. The immediate aftermath is a whirlwind of emotions, questions, and critical decisions, many of which must be made quickly. At Jakobsen Restoration, we’ve helped dozens of San Diego families navigate the crucial hours after a fire, and we know just how much clarity and support are needed during this time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do and what not to do in the first 24 hours after a house fire to protect your home, your family, and your long-term recovery.

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Safety First: Don’t Reenter Until Cleared

The first step is to ensure everyone is safe. Once the fire department extinguishes the blaze, they’ll let you know whether it’s safe to reenter your home. Never go back inside without official clearance. Even if the flames are out, structural instability, electrical hazards, and lingering smoke or toxic particles can make the environment extremely dangerous.

San Diego Fire-Rescue crews are trained to look for these hazards, listen to their guidance, and don’t take unnecessary risks.

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Call Your Insurance Company (Then Call Us)

After ensuring your safety, your next move is to contact your homeowners insurance provider. Report the incident, start the claim process, and ask for clear next steps. Then, reach out to a licensed fire damage restoration company in San Diego like Jakobsen Restoration. We can begin assessing the damage, securing the property, and documenting everything your insurance company will need, often within 45 minutes of your call.

Starting restoration early helps prevent secondary damage, such as water saturation from firefighting efforts or mold growth from damp insulation and drywall.

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Secure the Property to Prevent Further Damage

One of the most important and often overlooked steps in fire recovery is boarding up broken windows and doors, securing the roof, and setting up temporary fencing if needed. This prevents looting, keeps out animals, and shields your home from rain or further weather damage. Jakobsen Restoration provides emergency board-up and tarp services throughout San Diego County to help stabilize the structure right away.

We also recommend documenting everything: photos, videos, and written notes. Our team can help with this process to make sure nothing is missed during the insurance assessment.

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Dealing with Smoke and Soot Residue

Even small fires can leave behind widespread smoke damage. Soot settles into walls, ceilings, air ducts, and furniture, and the odor can linger for weeks or even months if not properly removed. Unfortunately, DIY cleaning isn’t enough. Many common household cleaners actually make the problem worse by spreading the soot or locking in smells.

That’s why we use specialized deodorization and soot removal techniques designed for post-fire environments. Acting quickly in the first 24 hours helps reduce permanent staining and odor absorption, especially in textiles, electronics, and HVAC systems.

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You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

The first day after a fire is painful, confusing, and exhausting but you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. At Jakobsen Restoration, we offer 24/7 fire damage restoration services in San Diego, and we’re experienced in working directly with insurance companies to make the process as smooth as possible.

Our team is here to support you not just with cleanup, but with guidance, compassion, and a clear plan forward. Whether you’ve experienced a kitchen fire in Clairemont or a full-structure blaze in East County, we’ll be there to help you take the next step toward rebuilding.

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Need Help After a Fire in San Diego?

Call (800) 880-2848 for a free inspection, or schedule emergency fire damage services now. Jakobsen Restoration is standing by, ready to secure your property, start the cleanup, and walk you through every step.