When a fire breaks out, it’s never just a building. It’s people, livelihoods, and a ripple effect felt throughout the community.
Last fall, when a local business experienced a fire, Jim at Fine Fabric Care didn’t hear about it through a work order or insurance claim. He heard because it was someone he’d worked with before, a fellow local business owner, and when he arrived on site, he found himself watching a familiar building burn.
The fire occurred in late fall, with restoration work beginning shortly after. While the visible structural damage was limited, smoke and odor infiltration posed a serious concern, one that, if not handled correctly, can linger long after the flames are out.
Gratitude to Butte’s Fire Department
Before any restoration work could begin, the focus was on safety, coordination, and assessment. Jim was particularly struck by the speed and effectiveness of the local fire department.
“The Butte Fire Department’s response was incredibly fast and efficient. They contained the situation quickly and prevented what could have been much more extensive damage. It’s a tough, often thankless job, and they deserve real appreciation for what they do.”, Jim says.
How We Addressed Smoke & Odor Damage
Although the fire damage itself was limited, odor control and air quality were critical. Smoke particles can travel far beyond the visible burn area, settling into materials and structural cavities.
Here’s how the Fine Fabric Care team approached the process:
Step 1: Air Filtration & Odor Control
Industrial air scrubbers equipped with activated charcoal filters were installed to immediately begin filtering smoke particles and odors from the air.
Step 2: Odor Suppression
A crystal odor counteractant was applied to affected floor areas to help suppress lingering smoke odors at the source.
Step 3: Thermo Fogging
The team used a thermo fogging process — a deodorizing fog that looks similar to smoke but is designed to penetrate cracks, crevices, and hard-to-reach spaces. Because of its appearance, Jim coordinated with the fire department in advance to prevent false alarms.
Step 4: Testing & Evaluation
After initial treatment, targeted testing helped determine which areas required additional cleaning and which were unaffected.
Step 5: Cleaning the Structure
Once it was clear the damage was limited primarily to odor, the team completed detailed cleaning of the affected spaces to restore indoor air quality.
Fire Prevention Tips Worth Revisiting
Incidents like this are a reminder that many fires start from everyday issues. Here are a few practical prevention tips worth keeping in mind:
Electrical systems: Check for old wiring or overloaded circuits.
Chimneys & wood stoves: Clean regularly and never leave unattended.
Cooking equipment: Always double-check that ovens, stovetops, and roasters are turned off.
Outdoor grills: Keep grills at least 10 feet from buildings.
Flammable materials: Store gas, paint, oils, and lawn products safely.
Candles: Never leave them unattended.
Dryer vents: Clean vents regularly and use metal connectors only, plastic ducts are a serious fire hazard.
Fireworks: Be mindful of dry conditions and neighboring properties.
Christmas trees: Keep live trees well watered to reduce fire risk.
Important Reminder: Insurance Coverage
Whether for your home or business, it’s a good idea to review your insurance policy annually, especially your contents coverage. Knowing what’s covered, and what’s not, can make a big difference during recovery.
A Note on Security & Documentation
Jim also recommends installing security cameras, especially around commercial properties and new construction. Cameras can help deter incidents and provide valuable documentation if something does happen.
Moving Forward
In this case, quick action from the fire department and early intervention kept the damage from becoming more severe. Restoration was successful, and the business was able to move forward.
For Jim and the Fine Fabric Care team, jobs like this reinforce why they do what they do: not just cleaning and restoration, but helping neighbors through stressful moments with honesty, care, and experience.
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