What To Do Immediately After a Fire in Your Commercial Property In Oklahoma City
A fire in your commercial property is one of the most devastating emergencies a business owner can face. The moments immediately following a fire are critical for safety, minimizing damage, and expediting recovery. Knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your business and getting operations back on track.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to handling the immediate aftermath of a commercial fire.
1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety First
1. Confirm all employees, customers, and visitors have evacuated and are accounted for
2. Do not allow anyone to re-enter until fire officials declare it safe
3. Be aware of hidden dangers even after flames are out:
✓ Compromised structural integrity
✓ Hidden hot spots
✓ Hazardous smoke residue
✓ Weakened floors and risk of ceiling collapse
✓ Toxic fumes
4. When you do re-enter, wear protective gear, gloves and a breathing mask to shield from soot and harmful particles
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider Right Away
1. Call your insurance company immediately, most commercial policies have strict reporting timelines
2. Delays can complicate your claim or slow down compensation
3. When you call, be ready to share:
✓ Extent of the damage
✓ Estimated losses
✓ Any immediate risks to the property
4. Ask about documentation requirements and adjuster availability
5. Quick action here can save business owners weeks of stress
3. Understand Business Interruption & Financial Recovery
Many business owners overlook business interruption coverage, review it as part of your claim.
Business interruption insurance may cover:
✓ Lost income during temporary closure
✓ Payroll expenses for employees
✓ Lease or mortgage payments
✓ Taxes and ongoing operational costs
✓ Temporary relocation expenses
To qualify and speed up reimbursement:
✓ Ask your insurer specifically about business interruption benefits and required documentation
✓ Provide financial statements, prior tax returns, payroll records, and projected revenue reports
✓ Track all fire-related expenses separately, keep receipts for emergency repairs, temporary office space, equipment rentals, and cleanup services
Working with a restoration company experienced in commercial losses can further streamline documentation and coordination with your insurer, protecting your financial stability during downtime.
4. Document Everything You Can
Thorough documentation is your protection during the claims process.
1. Use your phone to take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas
2. Capture:
✓ Fire damage and smoke stains
✓ Water damage from firefighting efforts
✓ Structural concerns
✓ Small details like soot on walls, damaged equipment, or lost inventory
3. Make written lists of everything affected
4. Label your photos for easy reference when working with your insurance adjuster
5. Secure Your Property from Further Damage
Fire-damaged properties are vulnerable to weather, intruders, and additional harm.
✓ Board up broken windows and doors
✓ Cover damaged roofing with tarps to prevent water intrusion
✓ Set up temporary fencing if needed
✓ Shut off gas, water, and electricity if they were affected:
1. Damaged utility lines can cause gas leaks or electrical sparks
2. If unsure how to do this safely, call your local utility companies
Taking these steps also shows your insurer that you’re acting responsibly to minimize further loss.
6. Bring in Professional Fire Damage Restoration Experts
This is one of the most important calls you’ll make. Fire damage goes far beyond what’s visible:
✓ Smoke and soot penetrate deep into walls, HVAC systems, and hidden spaces
✓ Water from firefighting efforts can lead to mold growth within 24-48 hours
Professional restoration teams handle:
✓ Smoke cleanup and soot removal
✓ Odor elimination
✓ Structural drying
✓ Direct coordination with your insurance company
Acting quickly minimizes long-term damage, gets your doors open sooner, and means less lost revenue and fewer disruptions for your team and customers.
7. Keep Your Team and Customers Informed
Communication is often overlooked in the chaos, but it’s essential.
For your employees:
1. Let them know what’s happening
2. Clarify whether they should report to work
3. Share a realistic timeline for returning to normal
For customers and vendors:
✓ Send updates via email, social media, or phone calls
✓ Explain what happened, what you’re doing, and when you expect to reopen
✓ Transparency protects your reputation during a difficult time
Best practice: Designate one person to handle all communication so your message stays consistent.
Get Your Business Back on Track
The hours after a fire are overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through them alone. By prioritizing safety, acting quickly with your insurance provider, documenting everything, securing your property, and partnering with experienced restoration professionals, you’re setting your business up for a full recovery.
Express Restoration has spent over a decade helping Oklahoma City business owners recover from fire damage. We understand the pressure you’re under, and we’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible.
If your commercial property has experienced fire damage, don’t wait.
Contact Express Restoration today at (405) 922-8891 for immediate 24/7 fire damage restoration service – We’ll help you restore more than property.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How soon can I re-enter my commercial property after a fire?
You should only re-enter your building after the Oklahoma City Fire Department has officially declared it safe. Even if the flames are out, structural instability, hidden hot spots, and lingering smoke contaminants can pose serious risks. Always wait for clearance and wear appropriate protective gear if permitted to enter.
2. How long does commercial fire damage restoration take?
The timeline depends on the extent of the fire, smoke, and water damage. Minor damage may take several days to clean and restore, while severe structural damage can take weeks or longer. A professional assessment from a qualified restoration company like Express Restoration will provide a clear scope of work and estimated timeline.
3. Will my insurance cover fire damage to my business?
Most commercial property insurance policies cover fire damage, including structural repairs, contents restoration, and sometimes business interruption losses. However, coverage details vary. It is important to notify your insurance provider immediately, document all damage thoroughly, and work closely with your adjuster throughout the claims process.
4. Can smoke and soot cause long-term damage if not cleaned properly?
Yes. Smoke and soot can continue to corrode surfaces, stain walls and ceilings, damage electronics, and create persistent odors if not professionally removed. Additionally, water used to extinguish the fire can lead to mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. Prompt professional fire damage restoration helps prevent secondary damage and protects your property long term.