The Hidden Costs of Fire Damage – What Every Facility Manager Should Know

Every year, fires cause billions of dollars in property damage across the globe, impacting homes, businesses and critical facilities. Beyond the flames, smoke, soot and water damage can create even bigger challenges for facility managers and property owners. A strong fire prevention and safety plan not only reduces risk but also ensures faster fire damage restoration and recovery when unexpected incidents occur.

The true cost of fire damage

Fires can affect all types of properties. Multi-family housing, student residences, commercial spaces and healthcare facilities are particularly vulnerable to fire-related damage. Annual losses in non-residential buildings alone reach dizzying heights. In 2022, U.S. property losses from fires totaled $18 billion.

We’ve all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

Fire response priorities

Fire damage incidents require fast action by first responders. The fire department arrives with one objective top of mind; to save any people that are still in danger. This is done by any means necessary, which inevitably creates more damage to the property. Their second objective is to save what remains of the property and eliminate the risk of the fire spreading.

Property managers and building owners know to expect ash and rubble, but what is often overlooked is the continued damage that is created while extinguishing the flames. Firefighters shoot hundreds of gallons of water into a property every minute to douse a raging fire. Similarly, sprinkler systems can release up to 15 to 16 gallons of water per minute. That water needs to go somewhere, and that is often to areas we do not want it to go to.

Understanding how firefighting efforts impact commercial property fire damage helps facility managers plan for faster cleanup and restoration.

How firefighters work to save property

Consider what firefighters often need to do to extinguish a fire and save lives and property:

• Break windows and doors as a means of egress for occupants to escape.
• Cut open walls, ceilings or the roof to allow heat or smoke to get out.
• They may also need to create a firebreak. Cutting a large trench in between two roof trusses, stopping the fuel source and keeping the fire from expanding.

The big takeaway is that a firefighting team may need to create some damage in order to save the larger property.

Fire damage incidents quickly lead to water damage

All the water used to extinguish flames quickly develops a new problem: water damage. Once the water is added to the building, materials get wet and the threat of mold growth starts to take hold within 24-48 hours. Mold gives off Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs). If these compounds make contact with certain individuals, they can make them very sick.

Steps to prevent further damage

After a fire is extinguished, it’s critical to act quickly to prevent further water and mold damage:

1. Cover holes and remove standing water: Protects the property from rain and prevents moisture from seeping into materials.
2. Dry and ventilate affected areas: Use air movers, dehumidifiers and fans to keep moisture from spreading.
3. Disinfect surfaces and prevent mold growth: Inspect for leaks, apply mold inhibitors and maintain low humidity levels.
4. Maintain power for operations: Bring generators onsite if needed until electricity is restored.

These steps help minimize ongoing damage, protect the property and reduce the risk of mold growth.

In the end, the key to overcoming fire-related disasters is swift, informed action. By understanding the full scope of fire, water, and mold damage, property owners can take the necessary steps to minimize further harm and expedite the recovery process.

Fire prevention remains key

As always, the best course of action is fire prevention. Implementing fire safety measures and regularly maintaining equipment like smoke detectors and sprinkler systems can significantly reduce the risk of fire in the first place. With a proactive approach, and the right response plan in place, you can help ensure your facility is back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.

Editor's Note: Brian Speckhals is Regional Director of Operations at First Onsite Property Restoration. He is a disaster recovery expert based out of Savannah Georgia.