What to Do Immediately After a House Fire in Alberta

Step 1 — Ensure Everyone is Safe

Your family's safety is the only priority immediately after a fire. Do not re-enter your home until Edmonton Fire Rescue Services or your local Alberta fire department officially clears the property. Fire-damaged structures can have compromised structural integrity, hidden hot spots, smoke contamination, and hazardous materials including asbestos disturbed by the fire. Even if the fire appears out and the structure looks intact, do not enter without official clearance.

Step 2 — Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your Alberta insurance company within 24 hours — most policies have notification requirements. Your insurer will assign an adjuster and provide guidance on next steps including temporary housing coverage. Most Alberta policies include Additional Living Expenses coverage that pays for temporary accommodation during fire damage restoration. Do not begin any cleanup or repairs before your adjuster documents the damage.

Step 3 — Document All Damage

Once fire services clear the property, document all damage thoroughly with photos and video before any cleanup begins. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. Photograph every room, every damaged item, structural damage, smoke damage, and water damage from firefighting. Do not throw anything away — even items that appear destroyed may have insurance value.

Step 4 — Call a Fire Restoration Company

Contact a certified fire restoration company immediately — ideally before your insurance adjuster visits. Every hour of delay allows smoke and soot to cause additional corrosive damage. Our Edmonton fire damage restoration team responds 24/7 and provides emergency board-up to protect your property. We communicate directly with adjusters, provide detailed documentation, and help maximize your coverage throughout the process.

Step 5 — Secure Emergency Housing

If your home is uninhabitable, your Alberta insurance policy's Additional Living Expense coverage pays for temporary housing. Keep all receipts for accommodation, meals, and additional living expenses. Your insurer will reimburse reasonable costs up to your policy's limit. According to the IICRC, professional fire restoration requires certified technicians following proven protocols.

What NOT to Do After a Fire

Never clean soot yourself — improper cleaning permanently sets smoke damage into surfaces. Do not use electrical devices in fire-damaged areas. Do not enter without professional clearance. Do not throw away damaged items before insurance documentation. Do not sign contracts with any restoration company using high-pressure tactics or asking for large upfront payments. See our full fire damage restoration service guide for more information.

Unified Restore provides professional restoration services throughout Edmonton and the Capital Region. Indigenously owned, IICRC certified, available 24/7/365.