Is South Miami Fire Damage Cleanup a Job for Professionals?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Call (305) 269-8900 immediately after the fire truck drives away to ensure a speedy and favorable outcome.

SERVPRO Safely and Efficiently Clears Smoke and Soot Residues

Rapid development in Florida can expose properties to the potential of wildfires. Thousands of acres of undeveloped land and the homes constantly encroaching can be in the path of wildfires from a range of causes:

• Lightning
• Arson
• Debris burning
• Camping

Accelerating wildfires' chances are the many activities South Miami residents enjoy, including outdoor grilling and the growing obsession many have with fire pits and relaxing evenings around a flickering bonfire.

What Does the History of Florida Wildfires Teach South Miami Residents?

Florida has a history of significant grass and vegetation fires. The state created the Florida Division of Forestry in part as a response to fires in the 1920s. In 1935, the Big Scrub Fire in Ocala National Forest spread faster than any other fire in the nation's history, consuming 35,000 acres in just 4 hours. Droughts from 1969 through 1976 featured numerous fires in the Everglades, some reaching 50,000 acres in size.

What Are Concerns in South Miami as Development Embraces Previous Wildlands?

During 1985, Florida experienced its first significant "wildland/urban interface" event, culminating in what is known as the Palm Coast Fire. Over 250 homes burned in this fire, along with the undeveloped acreage more commonly stricken by wildfires. Data gathered during this fire helped develop a residential property survivability model based on:

• The intensity of the fire
• The presence of roof overhang vinyl vents
• The proximity of ground vegetation to the structure

Thirteen years later, fires struck the same Palm Coast subdivision. In part because of the research done on the previous fire, the government ordered the evacuation of 45,000 residents, and 44 states sent firefighters. The response to this fire inspired the largest aerial suppression operation conducted to that date. During the aftermath, experts considered the effort successful. Despite much development in the area over the 13 years, only 337 homes sustained damage, and just 33 businesses burned. As the smoke cleared, what again was responsible for the large fire? Roof overhang vents and vegetation surrounding the buildings were the culprits.

How Can South Miami Residents Protect Homes from Wildfires?

Aggressive brushing, particularly of dried vegetation, around homes and outbuildings is crucial to protecting the property from the threat of wildfires. In developments utilizing management companies, additional safeguards can be in place, including creating a fuel break. Vegetation providing fuel between the wildland and habitation needs removal. A strip with single trees or shrubs and non-flammable ground vegetation can be adequate. The development's road system also provides fuel breaks and, if well-planned, can confine any fire to a small area.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Fire Damage Mitigation and Remediation in South Miami?

South Miami fire damage cleanup is a cornerstone of SERVPRO's mission. We invest in restoration best practices training and high-efficiency, cutting edge smoke and soot residue removal products, tools, and equipment. Regardless of the initial cause of the blaze, our crews:

• Arrive promptly in comprehensively-stocked service vehicles
• Manage all aspects of fire damage cleanup:
• Firefighting water containment and lawful removal and disposal
• Evaluation of residue composition and implementation of strategies based on IICRC training using appropriate removal products and tools
• Disinfection with EPA-registered antimicrobials
• Applied structural drying
• Deodorization

Count on SERVPRO of South Miami to meet your fire, smoke, and soot cleanup needs. Call us at (305) 269-8900 day or night, 365 days of the year.