Paul Davis Restoration of Baton Rouge
Fire, smoke and contents restoration
- Locally owned office of a national brand
- Call-back within 30 minutes, 24/7
- Handles drying through full rebuild
Baton Rouge › Fire & Smoke Damage
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Baton Rouge
After a fire, the damage keeps spreading: soot etches surfaces, smoke odor settles in, and water from firefighting starts its own problems. These three companies handle it all.
Updated October 2026We pick companies by rating, review volume and local presence. We may be compensated by listed contractors; any paid listing is labeled “Sponsored.” How we choose
United Fire & Water, a DKI Company
Board-up, cleanup and odor control
- Independent, local since 1999
- State-licensed mold remediation
- Open 24 hours
SERVPRO of South Livingston Parish
Fire cleanup and contents pack-out
- Locally owned franchise, Reed family
- Lists Walker in its service area
- IICRC-trained crews, 24/7
Fire Damage Is Three Problems at Once
Even a small kitchen fire leaves behind more than burned cabinets. Restoration companies deal with three kinds of damage together:
- Fire and heat damage to structure, wiring and belongings near the flames.
- Smoke and soot that travel through the whole house, into closets, ductwork and attic insulation. Soot is acidic and can discolor and etch surfaces if it isn't cleaned quickly.
- Water damage from fire hoses and sprinklers, which can soak walls and floors far from the fire and lead to mold within days in Baton Rouge humidity.
The first 24 hours
- Don't enter until the fire department says the building is safe.
- Call your insurance company and ask about additional living expenses if you can't stay in the home.
- Have the property boarded up and the roof tarped to prevent weather damage and theft.
- Don't try to wipe soot off walls or upholstery yourself; the wrong cleaner can set stains permanently.
- Don't turn on the HVAC system until ducts are inspected; it can spread soot through the house.
What Restoration Involves
A full fire restoration job usually includes emergency board-up, water removal and drying, soot removal from every affected surface, cleaning or replacing ductwork, odor removal, and contents work. Contents pack-out means the company inventories, packs and removes salvageable belongings, cleans them at its facility and stores them until the home is ready. That inventory also becomes the backbone of your insurance claim.
Smoke odor is the hardest part to get right. Masking it with fragrance doesn't work. Real odor removal means cleaning the soot that holds the smell, then using methods like thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators or ozone in an unoccupied home, and sealing surfaces that can't be fully cleaned before repainting.
Insurance and Hiring
Fire is one of the most clearly covered losses on a standard homeowners policy. Keep a written list of everything damaged, save receipts for hotels, meals and clothing, and get your adjuster's approval in writing for major work. Many restoration companies work directly with insurers, which can speed things up, but read any contract before you sign over payment rights.
Before repairs start, check the company on the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors website. Home repairs over $7,500 require a Home Improvement registration, jobs over $75,000 require a Residential license, and mold remediation projects of $7,500 or more require a separate Mold Remediation license.
Fire & Smoke Damage FAQ
Can I clean smoke damage myself?
Light smoke on hard surfaces can sometimes be cleaned, but soot is acidic and the wrong cleaner can set stains. For anything beyond a small area, a restoration company with soot sponges, proper cleaners and odor equipment is safer.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Cleanup of a small fire can take days. A larger fire that requires rebuilding can take months. Emergency board-up and drying should start within the first day.
Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage?
Fire is typically a covered loss on a standard homeowners policy, including smoke damage and, in many cases, additional living expenses while you can't live in the home.
Other Restoration Services
Water Damage RestorationBaton Rouge top 3
Flood CleanupBaton Rouge top 3
Mold RemediationBaton Rouge top 3
Sewage CleanupBaton Rouge top 3
Sources: LSLBC license types