Fire Incidents in Downtown LA: A Case for Expert Fire Damage Restoration

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO experts assess any fire-damaged to help begin fire restoration and bring peace of mind.

Repeated Fire Incidents in Downtown LA: A Case for Expert Fire Damage Restoration

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, a two-story office building along Sunset Boulevard recently faced its third fire incident this year. This tragic occurrence, which saw over 40 brave firefighters responding, highlights a critical urban issue: the dire need for expert fire damage restoration services in the wake of such disasters.

The Incident Unfolds The incident, which engulfed the entire structure, is not the first of its kind for this location. The building, previously boarded up, was already a site of concern due to previous fire breakouts, including one earlier in December. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with current suspicions pointing towards the involvement of squatters.

A Deeper Issue A nearby homeless encampment raises further questions about the fire's origin, suggesting a possible link to trespassers or squatters. This recurring theme of fire incidents in abandoned or inadequately maintained buildings in urban centers underscores a larger social and safety issue.

The Role of Fire Damage Restoration In such situations, the role of fire damage restoration services becomes paramount. Professional restoration is not just about addressing the immediate aftermath of a fire; it's about preventing future incidents and ensuring safety for all.

At SERVPRO of Westlake, we specialize in turning tragedy into a foundation for safety and prevention. Our services go beyond mere cleanup – we assess structural integrity, identify potential hazards, and implement measures to prevent future fires.

Our Approach

1. Comprehensive Assessment: We start with a thorough evaluation of the fire-damaged property, identifying all areas affected by fire, smoke, and water.

2. Advanced Cleaning Techniques: Utilizing the latest in cleaning technology, we ensure that all residues, including potentially harmful chemicals, are safely removed.

3. Restoration and Prevention: Beyond restoration, we focus on preventing future incidents. This includes advising on structural reinforcements and safety measures.

The repeated fires in the downtown Los Angeles office building are a stark reminder of the importance of professional fire damage restoration services. As a community, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods. SERVPRO of Westlake stands ready to lead this charge, offering expertise and compassion in every restoration project. For immediate response, text or call us 24/7 - 213-318-4088. We're always here to help.

Los Angeles Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Westlake  will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 213-315-5136

Fire Damage Service

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage 

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

SERVPRO of Westlake has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.  

EMERGENCY CONTACT

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage
event that will help us respond immediately with the
appropriate equipment and resources.

INSPECTION & FIRE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property
to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

SECURING YOUR FACILITY

Fire damage can often compromise windows, was, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps
on damaged roofs.

WATER REMOVAL & DRYING

If needed, the water removal process begins almost immediately and removes much of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining

SMOKE & SOOT REMOVAL FROM SURFACES

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

CLEANING & SANITIZING

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of
cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We're also trained to remove odors using industrial air filtration devices and fogging equipment.

RESTORATION

Restoration is the final step in getting your business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs,
such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a business.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help  213-315-5136

Holiday Safety Tips

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

To ensure that the festivities are safe, here are some useful holiday season fire safety tips

Cooking and Baking

Be sure to take precautions against kitchen fires when you’re cooking and baking. That includes keeping children and flammable items such as grocery bags and kitchen towels away from the stove and oven. Clean up greasy spills as you go to remove another fire hazard. 

Fireplaces

Be sure to keep “fuel” – from wrapping paper to rugs to clothing – at least three feet away from the flames. Use a fire screen to keep embers and logs from escaping. Lastly, make sure all embers are fully extinguished before you turn in for the night.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 

Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 213-315-5136

Fire Damage

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring your home or business after fire damage to its pre-fire condition is our main goal. As a leading fire damage restoration company, we specialize in fire and water damage restoration, removal of smoke odors, and deep-cleaning soot from walls, carpets and upholstery.

We Can Help in the Aftermath of Fire Damage

Los Angeles Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Westlake will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 213-315-5136

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Los Angeles Home

3/14/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Westlake will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 213-315-5136

SERVPRO of Westlake provides fire, soot and water damage restoration service in Los Angeles

3/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Westlake provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Los Angeles. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

About SERVPRO of Westlake

SERVPRO of Westlake specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help  213-315-5136

Smoke and soot facts

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke 

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Westlake will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 213-315-5136

Fire Escape Planning Tips

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

  Fire Escape Planning Tips

Through some fires are unbelievable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires int the home or workplace are available. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home. 

The following are several tips that could potentially save your life or the life of a loved one should a fire break out in your home or business. 

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. 
• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. 
• Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm. 
• Practice finding your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house. 
• Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department. 

Fire Restoration

3/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the industry leader in the cleanup and restoration industry. Whether is your home or business, we provide emergency mitigation services if your property experiences a fire loss. With nearly 1,700 U.S and Canada Franchise locations, we are strategically positioned throughout the nation to be faster to any size of disaster. This allow us to restore properties faster and get you back into your home or business quicker. 

Timely, efficient mitigation is the key to reducing cost and minimizing business interruption. The sooner restoration and cleanup begins, the sooner your home or business can resume your everyday lives. 

When fire and water take control of your life, contact SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals to help you take it back. 

"Like it never even happened." 

Fire Prevention

3/1/2020 (Permalink)

Hear the BEEP where you SLEEP

Every Bedroom Needs a Working Alarm!

Half of home fire deaths happen between 11 p.m and 7 a.m.. when most people are asleep. 

• For the best protection, install interconnected smoke alarms in your home. When one sounds, they all sounds. 
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. Outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including basement. Larger homes may need more alarms. 

Test alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or if they do not sound when tested. Some people specially children and older adults, may need to help to wake up. Make sure someone will wake them if the smoke alarm sounds.

When the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Go to your outside meeting place. 

Call the fire department from a cellphone or a neighbors phone. Stay outside until the fire department says its safe to go back inside. 

Fire and Smoke Cleanup and Restoration

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration 

SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration. 

SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals are committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services to reduce business interruptions and recovery costs. 

SERVPRO of Westlake can provide

• over 45 years of experience as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider. 
• SERVPRO of Westlake is nearby- more than 1,700 Franchise nationwide. 
• More locations for faster responses. A uniformed technician will arrive on-site usually within four hours of notification. 
• Quick response time to help ensure the damage is contained and the restoration process begins promptly. 
• Large loss capabilities -no fire or water damage is too big. 

V

Wildfire Damage

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

California Wildfires 

The most recent fire is the Cave fire, which started on Nov.25. According to Los Angeles Times it is 90% contained and has burned 3,126 acres so far.  

The largest active fire is the South fire, which has burned 5,332 acres so far. It started Sep 5, and its 100% contained. 

Air Quality can impact health, specially with children. AirNow has information on current air qualifications, including smoke plume maps. 

Fire Damage Restoration Service

SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals have the  equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today- We're Ready to Help 213-315-5136

Insurance Services

8/16/2019 (Permalink)

How You Benefit from Mitigation Too!

When fire, water, or mold damage invades your home, fear and frustration begin to build upon them. Research indicates policyholders feel tremendous stress and loss of control after they suffer a loss. By dispatching SERVPRO of Westlake immediately, you can be the HERO your policyholder values in their time of need. 

From the moment SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals set foot on-site until the final item has been restored and set back into place, you can be reassured you are providing much-needed comfort and relief in your policyholder's time of need. 

You need a restoration vendor who will care for your policyholder and work to save you money through timely mitigation. You need to keep claim costs' down, while helping ensure your policyholder gets the best possible results. 

Give SERVPRO of Westlake a call and leave the restoration to us. 

Wildfire & Smoke

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Wildfires and smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plants materials that can be dangerous if inhaled. People who are exposed to wildfire smoke may developed a number of symptoms. 

Weather plays a big role in the levels of ozones and particle pollution. Sunlight and heat promote ozones formation. Light winds and temperature inversions can keep pollution concentrated near the ground. 

Smoke is made up of ash, tiny particles, liquid droplets, and gases. It also contains toxic chemicals released from burning flame retardants in furniture and fabrics, and other chemicals in buildings materials. 

How to reduce your exposure to Smoke

• Keep windows and doors closed turn on your air conditioner.
• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution. That means no smoking, burning candles, cooking on gas stove. 

Fire & Smoke Damage Tips

2/8/2019 (Permalink)

Do's:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork,
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linen on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surface with a light coating of lubricant. 
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants. 
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system. 

Don'ts :

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire , heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair services.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.

Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration Services

1/26/2019 (Permalink)

Structural Cleaning 

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, wall, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. SERVPRO of Westlake will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your facility. Depending on the amount of soot, SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing. 

Contents Cleaning 

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes areas rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss conditions. Finally, SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals can provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items if requested. 

Deodorization

SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals provide specialized services that rid your place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO of Westlake Professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the resources of the odor and remove them. 

Prevent Home Fires

12/15/2018 (Permalink)

Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps to prevent a tragedy. 

Cooking

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time turn off the stove. 

Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a " kid free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.

Position barbecues grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 

Smoking

Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand. 

Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. 

Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turn off. 

Be alert! don't smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy. 

Electrical and Appliance Safety

Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture. 

If an appliance has a three prong plug, use it only in three slot outlet. Never force it into a two slot outlet or extension cord. 

Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. 

Fireplaces and Woodstove 

Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. 

Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. 

Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. 

After A Fire

12/15/2018 (Permalink)

Contact your local disaster services, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines. 

If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies. If you are not insured, try contacting private organizations for aid and assistance. 

Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage cause by fire.

The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. 

Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damage goods until after and inventory is made. 

Try to locate valuable documents and records. Refer to information on contacts and replacement process inside brochure. 

Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on income tax. 

Fire Restoration

12/8/2018 (Permalink)

 West Village 

If you are dealing with fire damage from the California wildfires, the experienced team at SERVPRO of Westlake  is ready to respond. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are prepared for damage from California’s wildfires, and are able to respond quickly. Immediate action and a fast response can limit damage, prevent further damage and reduce restoration costs. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams are prepared with strategically located equipment in case of fire emergency. 

Choose SERVPRO of Westlake  a local company that specializes in fire, water and storm damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and ready to respond to fire, wind and soot conditions.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Do’s and Dont’s 

These emergency tips will assist you in taking proper action until your local SERVPRO Franchise Profesionals arrived. Folllow these DOs and DON’T’s to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration. 

- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking. 

- Keep hands clean. Spots on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.

-If Electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop open to help prevent odor. 

- Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trims, and appliances. 

-Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional. 

-Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs, or unpholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Franchise. 

- Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances ( TV sets, radios etc) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair services.