Smoke Damage From Recent Wildfires Can Hide for Weeks After the Flames Are Out
PUEBLO, Colo. — While recent wildfires in the Pueblo area have been contained, Paul Davis Restoration is warning homeowners that the damage left behind is often far from over. The company has already responded to 13 properties in the Rye and Beulah Valley area and expects that number to reach as many as 30 as more residents discover smoke and soot damage in the coming weeks.
“Smoke and soot can travel into places you’d never expect, into HVAC systems, carpet padding, even hidden areas like attics and crawlspaces,” said Jeremy Belasquez, General Manager at Paul Davis Restoration. “That’s why we encourage anyone in the affected area to have their property looked at, even if there’s no obvious damage. The longer it sits, the harder it is to reverse.”
According to Paul Davis, the most common issues homeowners are finding include soot and odor buildup inside HVAC systems, carpet and padding that trap smoke odor, and finished wood surfaces where the polyurethane coating erodes from acidic soot residue. Because smoke settles into hidden areas of a home, damage is often discovered well after a fire has been contained and cleared from the news cycle.
Belasquez noted that insurance carriers are beginning to approve claims related to the fires and encouraged residents who suspect smoke damage to document conditions and contact their insurer as soon as possible, since delays can complicate claims.
Paul Davis offers the following guidance for homeowners in the Pueblo area who may have been affected, even indirectly, by recent wildfire smoke:
- Check less obvious areas first. Attics, crawlspaces and HVAC systems often show smoke damage before it’s visible anywhere else in the home.
- Watch for a lingering odor. A persistent smoky smell, even faint, is often the first sign of soot trapped in carpet, padding or ductwork.
- Look at finished wood surfaces. Acidic soot residue can start to erode polyurethane finishes on floors, cabinets and trim within days if left untreated.
- Document before you clean. Photograph any affected areas before attempting to clean them yourself, since this documentation can matter for insurance claims.
- Contact your insurer early. Claims related to the recent fires are beginning to be approved, and starting the process sooner can help avoid delays.
Homeowners in the areas affected by the Aspen Acres fire who suspect smoke or soot damage can contact Paul Davis Restoration or visit pdcoloradosprings.com to have their property evaluated.
About Paul Davis Restoration
Paul Davis is a national franchise organization that provides services to clean up and repair damage to institutional, commercial and residential structures due to water, mold, storm, fire or other disasters. Paul Davis was founded in 1966 and is a rapidly growing network consisting of 300+ franchises, all independently owned and operated.
