We have a new station set up to clean incoming fire damaged contents. This new setup allows us to clean them faster so they can be returned to the client faster.

Carpet cleaning in progress after a kitchen fire.Soot is attracted to cooler areas, so often you will find rooms affected furthest from the source of the fire. The sooner the restoration begins, the more likely SERVPRO of Sumter can salvage more of your contents in your home.

A space heater used in a garage in Bishopville, Sc caused a lot of soot and smoke damage. The walls and ceiling of the garage had to be torn out and replaced as well as the garage doors. The contents were packed up and brought to the warehouse for cleaning. 

In a high profile fire in Sumter, SC. the fire traveled through the attic of this home causing major damage to the structure and the homeowners contents. To put out an attic fire the fire department must saturate the whole house, which causes the ceilings and insulation to cave in creating even more damage. 

Electrical Safety
Electrical fires are responsible for one in seven of all home fires in the United States every year. According to the
National Fire Protection Association, an average of 53,000 home electrical fires are reported each year resulting in
approximately 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1.5 billion in property damage. Most electrical fires and injuries can be
prevented by taking simple steps around the home:
1. Cover all unused outlets with safety plugs
2. Check used outlets to make sure they are not being overloaded
3. Check cords for frays and warmth
4. Be sure lighting fixtures and bulbs are placed away from flammable objects such as curtains, clothes, bedding,
and other fabrics

According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters respond to a home fire every 79 seconds. Simple steps can be taken throughout the home to reduce the risk of fire and injury/loss of life:
1.Working smoke alarms should be found in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly to ensure they are working properly and the batteries are good.
2.Be sure fire extinguishers are available on every level of the home and that each household member knows how to use them. 
3.Reduce the risk of fire outside of the home by removing dying or dead trees and shrubs and by keeping dry brush and debris at least 30 feet away from the home. Keep gutters, roof, and eaves clear of debris.
4.Be sure any candles in the home are placed away from curtains and other furniture, as well as out of reach of children and pets. Consider using safer alternatives such as flameless candles.

A grease fire caused this damage. We arrived on the scene and was able to remove all the damaged materials. Once all the non salvage materials are removed we begin cleaning the structure of soot. 

This is a board-up after a fire in Dalzell, SC.

Boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever go through- especially if it is your property that has been damaged. Boarding up property incorrectly could cause secondary damages such as moisture or animal intrusion, making the situation even worse.