🔥 Fire or smoke damage in Phoenix? Call (480) 204-9035 — RCS Builders responds 24/7 across Greater Phoenix
Fire & Smoke Damage Specialists
Greater Phoenix
IICRC Certified
Licensed General Contractor
After the Fire, We Handle
Everything — From the
First Board-Up to the
Final Coat of Paint.
A fire is one of the most overwhelming things that can happen to a home or business — and the damage is almost never limited to what burned. Smoke travels into rooms the fire never reached. Soot settles into HVAC systems and spreads through the whole property. The water used to put the fire out soaks into framing, insulation, and subfloors, and if it is not dried it becomes mold. And underneath all of it, the heat may have compromised structural framing that looks intact but is not. Recovering from a fire means addressing all of it — the burn, the smoke, the soot, the water, the odor, and the structure — and then rebuilding the property completely. RCS Builders does the entire job under one roof: emergency stabilization, cleanup, odor removal, contents restoration, and full reconstruction. We are IICRC certified, we coordinate your insurance claim from the first day, and we do not hand you off to a separate contractor for the rebuild. One call. Done right.
IICRC Certified • Xactimate Estimating • Licensed & Insured • 30+ Years in the Valley • Family Owned Since 1994
24/7 Emergency Fire Response Across Greater Phoenix
Whole Property Smoke and Soot Travel Far Beyond What Burned
Board-Up to Rebuild Full Recovery Under One GC — No Handoff
24–48hr For Suppression Water to Begin Growing Mold in Phoenix
Insurance Xactimate Estimates and Full Adjuster Coordination
⚠️ After a Fire, the Damage Keeps Spreading — Soot Corrodes, Odor Sets In, and Water Turns to Mold
The hours and days after a fire are when a contained loss becomes a whole-property loss — if the property is not stabilized and the cleanup is not started correctly. Soot is acidic. Left on surfaces, it permanently etches glass, corrodes metal, discolors finishes, and eats into materials it could have been cleaned from if addressed quickly. Smoke odor penetrates deeper into porous materials every day it is not treated, embedding in drywall, insulation, and framing where it becomes far harder to remove. And the water from the fire suppression — often thousands of gallons — is soaking into the structure, and in Phoenix's climate it begins growing mold within 24 to 48 hours. The fire is out, but the damage is not over. The faster the property is professionally stabilized and the cleanup is started, the more of your home and belongings can be saved. We respond 24/7 because the clock is running.
Fire Damage We Restore
Every Type of Fire and Smoke Damage We Restore in Greater Phoenix
Fire damage in the Valley comes from a range of causes — and each one produces a different damage pattern and a different restoration scope. Here is every type of fire and smoke damage we restore.
01
Kitchen Fire Damage
The most common cause of residential fires — cooking fires, grease fires, and appliance fires that damage cabinets, countertops, walls, and ceilings, and send smoke and grease residue throughout the home. We restore the kitchen and address the smoke and soot that traveled well beyond it.
Most Common Cause
02
Electrical Fire Damage
Electrical fires from faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and failing connections — common in older Valley homes and in the summer when AC demand pushes electrical systems to their limits. Electrical fires often start inside walls and require opening the wall assembly to assess the full damage.
Older Homes · Wall Cavity
03
Garage Fire Damage
Phoenix garages store everything — chemicals, fuel, vehicles, and belongings — and the extreme heat accelerates ignition risk. Garage fires threaten the attached structure and frequently involve hazardous materials that require careful handling. We restore the garage and any damage that spread to the home.
Attached Structure Risk
04
Smoke & Soot Damage
Smoke and soot damage often extends through a property where the fire itself was contained to one area — settling on surfaces, infiltrating HVAC systems, and embedding odor throughout. Many smoke damage events involve no structural fire damage at all, only pervasive smoke and soot that requires professional cleanup.
Whole-Property · No Burn Required
05
Attic Fire Damage
Phoenix attics reach extreme temperatures and house electrical systems, HVAC equipment, and stored belongings — a combination that makes attic fires common in the Valley. Attic fires threaten the roof structure and spread smoke and heat damage down into the living space below.
Roof Structure Risk
06
Lightning Strike Fire Damage
Monsoon lightning strikes cause structure fires and electrical damage across the Valley every storm season — often igniting inside the attic or wall system and damaging electrical throughout the home. Lightning fire damage combines fire, electrical, and often storm water intrusion in a single event.
Monsoon Season · Combined Damage
07
Commercial Fire Damage
Commercial and industrial fire damage — restaurants, retail, office, warehouse, and multi-tenant properties — where the priority is restoring the property and getting the business operational again as fast as possible. We restore commercial fire damage with business continuity in mind.
Business Continuity
08
Wildfire & Exterior Char Damage
Proximity to the Tonto National Forest and the desert interface puts Valley properties in Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley at wildfire risk — and even properties that do not burn suffer heavy wildfire smoke and exterior char damage that requires professional restoration.
Desert Interface · Smoke Infiltration
The Damage You Cannot See
Why Fire Damage Is Almost Always Worse Than It Looks — And Why Cleanup-Only Companies Miss It
The single most expensive mistake a property owner makes after a fire is assuming the damage is limited to what burned — or hiring a cleanup-only company that has no ability to assess or rebuild the structure. Here is what a full fire damage assessment finds that a surface cleanup misses.
1
Smoke and odor reach rooms the fire never touched
Smoke travels through the entire structure, settling on surfaces and embedding odor in rooms with no visible fire damage at all. A fire contained to one room routinely requires smoke and odor work in every room of the house.
2
Soot corrodes and etches if not addressed fast
Soot is acidic. On glass, metal, and finished surfaces it permanently etches and corrodes — turning materials that could have been cleaned into materials that must be replaced.
3
Suppression water becomes mold
The water used to extinguish the fire soaks into framing, insulation, and subfloors — and in Phoenix's climate it begins growing mold within 24 to 48 hours if it is not professionally dried. Fire damage is frequently also a water damage and mold event.
4
Heat compromises framing that looks intact
Structural framing exposed to fire heat can be degraded and weakened even where it appears intact. Heat-compromised framing requires assessment by someone who can evaluate the structure — not just clean the surface.
Why this matters: A cleanup-only company remediates the surface and leaves — missing the structural damage, the concealed smoke and water damage, and the rebuild scope. The property owner discovers it later and pays for a second round of work. RCS Builders is a licensed general contractor and an IICRC certified restoration firm — we assess and address all of it, and we rebuild it, under one contract. We do the full job, once, correctly.
What We Do
Complete Fire & Smoke Restoration Services — Emergency Response Through Final Rebuild
🚨
24/7 Emergency Response & Stabilization
Immediate emergency board-up of compromised openings, roof tarping, structural shoring, and temporary power and site lighting — securing the property against weather, intrusion, and further deterioration while restoration is planned.
24/7 · Secure the Property
🧹
Smoke, Soot & Debris Cleanup
Detailed removal of smoke residue and soot from walls, ceilings, framing, and contents, and cleanup of fire debris throughout the property. HVAC and duct cleaning to stop odor recirculation.
Whole-Property Cleanup
🌬️
Odor Neutralization & Air Quality
Advanced odor neutralization — thermal fogging to reach odor embedded in porous materials, and air scrubbers with HEPA filtration to remove airborne particulates. We eliminate fire odor permanently, not mask it.
Permanent Odor Removal
💧
Post-Fire Water Damage Cleanup
Extraction, drying, and moisture control for the water left behind by fire suppression — addressed early to prevent mold and keep the rebuild on schedule.
Prevent Secondary Mold
📦
Contents Pack-Out & Restoration
Inventory, secure storage, cleaning, and return of salvageable belongings — including electronics restoration and document and photo recovery for items requiring specialized care.
Inventory · Store · Restore
🔨
Demolition & Full Reconstruction
Controlled demolition of unsalvageable materials and complete rebuild — framing, roof, walls, flooring, cabinetry, and all finishes — to code-compliant, pre-loss condition under one licensed GC.
Licensed GC · Full Rebuild
📋
Insurance Documentation & Coordination
Xactimate estimates, complete damage documentation, and direct adjuster coordination from the first response through final rebuild — including supplements when concealed damage is found.
Xactimate · Adjuster Coordinated
✨
Final Cleaning & Return to Service
Detailed post-restoration cleaning and sanitization to prepare the property for occupancy — clean, safe, and ready for you to move back in or reopen.
Move-In Ready
Immediate Action Guide
You Just Had a Fire — Do These Things Right Now
Step 01
Make sure everyone is safe and out
Get everyone out of the property and stay out until the fire department confirms it is safe to return. Call 911 if you have not already. Do not re-enter a fire-damaged structure until it has been cleared — compromised framing, electrical hazards, and air quality can all be dangerous.
Step 02
Do not touch or clean soot-covered surfaces
Soot is acidic and improper cleaning drives it deeper into materials and spreads it further. Do not wipe walls, do not run the HVAC system, and do not attempt to clean contents. Improper cleaning frequently causes permanent damage to items that could have been professionally restored.
Step 03
Call RCS Builders — (480) 204-9035 — 24/7
Tell us your address and what happened. We respond immediately to secure the property, stop the damage from spreading, and begin the recovery. The faster the property is stabilized, the more of it can be saved.
Step 04
Do not run the HVAC system
Running the AC or heat after a fire circulates soot and smoke odor through the entire duct system and spreads contamination to areas that were not affected. Leave the system off until we assess it.
Step 05
Notify your insurance carrier
Report the loss to your insurance carrier. We coordinate directly with your adjuster from that point forward — documenting the full scope, providing the Xactimate estimate, and managing the claim so you can focus on your family or your business.
Fire Damage Is Covered. We Document the Full Scope and Coordinate Your Entire Claim.
Fire and smoke damage is a covered peril under virtually every homeowner's and commercial property insurance policy — including the emergency stabilization, cleanup, contents restoration, and full reconstruction. The key to a fair claim is complete documentation of the full damage scope — the smoke and soot that reached rooms the fire never touched, the suppression water damage, and the concealed structural damage that a surface assessment misses. We document all of it from the first response, provide a complete Xactimate estimate covering the entire recovery, and coordinate directly with your adjuster. When concealed damage is found during the work, we supplement the claim so it is covered. You focus on your family or your business — we handle the claim.
- Emergency stabilization documented and covered
- Full smoke, soot, and odor scope documented — including unaffected-looking rooms
- Post-fire water damage documented and remediated
- Concealed structural damage assessed and documented
- Contents inventory and restoration documented
- Complete Xactimate estimate — board-up through final rebuild
- Direct adjuster coordination and supplements as needed
- Works with all major Arizona homeowner's and commercial carriers
Available 24/7
Step-by-Step Recovery
The RCS Builders Fire Recovery Process — Emergency Response Through Return to Service
Emergency response and assessment
24/7 emergency stabilization — board-up, roof tarping, and structural shoring. Full fire and smoke damage assessment to identify every affected area, including the smoke and water damage beyond the visible fire. Insurance documentation begins.
Smoke and soot removal
Smoke and soot removal from all surfaces and contents, air purification, HVAC and duct cleaning, and content cleaning to salvage belongings — stopping the acidic soot damage and the odor spread.
Cleaning and sanitization
Full fire and smoke cleanup, sanitization, odor neutralization, and debris removal and disposal — preparing the structure for reconstruction.
Structural repairs and reconstruction
Complete reconstruction of damaged framing, walls, floors, ceilings, and roof, code-compliant permitting and inspection coordination, and content restoration — all managed under one licensed GC.
Painting and finishing
Drywall, paint, flooring, and all finish work — restoring the aesthetic and function of the property to pre-loss condition or better.
Final inspection and return to service
Detailed final inspection, quality assurance walk with you, and post-restoration cleaning — returning a clean, safe, code-compliant property ready for occupancy.
Client Stories
Real Fire & Rebuild Jobs. Across the Valley.
★★★★★
"An outlet fire destroyed our laundry room in Club West. RCS handled the rebuild with new framing, flooring, and paint. It looks brand new now."
Jason R. — Club West, Ahwatukee AZ
Electrical Fire · Laundry Room Rebuild
★★★★★
"We had fire damage from a patio grill that scorched the rear wall and broke the sliding door. RCS rebuilt the framing, replaced the door, and re-stuccoed the exterior."
Carla & Dave H. — Citrus Grove, Mesa AZ
Exterior Fire · Framing & Stucco
★★★★★
"A kitchen fire in our home near Kiwanis Park damaged cabinets, drywall, and part of the ceiling. RCS rebuilt everything beautifully — we were back home in under three weeks."
Marty W. — Kiwanis Park, Tempe AZ
Kitchen Fire · Back Home in 3 Weeks
★★★★★
"Our retail space in the Scottsdale Waterfront district had an electrical fire. RCS demoed, rebuilt the wall, coordinated inspections, and reopened us in days."
Saul E. — Scottsdale Waterfront, Scottsdale AZ
Commercial · Electrical Fire · Reopened in Days
★★★★★
"A garage fire at our home in Montelena caused serious structural damage. RCS cleared the debris and rebuilt the whole space better than before."
Nancy F. — Montelena, Queen Creek AZ
Garage Fire · Structural Rebuild
Questions & Answers
Fire & Smoke Damage — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a fire?
Safety first — get everyone out and do not re-enter until the fire department confirms it is safe. Then do not touch soot-covered surfaces or run your HVAC system, both of which spread the damage. Call RCS Builders at (480) 204-9035 for 24/7 emergency stabilization — board-up, roof tarping, and structural shoring — to secure the property while we plan the full restoration. The faster the property is stabilized, the more of it can be saved.
Why shouldn't I clean the soot myself?
Soot is acidic, and improper cleaning drives it deeper into materials and spreads it to areas that were not affected. Wiping walls, running the HVAC, or cleaning contents without the right methods frequently causes permanent damage to items that could have been professionally restored. We use industry-standard methods to remove soot correctly and salvage what can be saved.
Does my insurance cover fire damage restoration?
Yes — fire and smoke damage is a covered peril under virtually every homeowner's and commercial policy, including emergency stabilization, cleanup, contents restoration, and full reconstruction. We document the complete damage scope, provide a Xactimate estimate, and coordinate directly with your adjuster from the first day through the final rebuild.
Can you rebuild my home or business, or just clean it up?
We do both — and this is one of the most important advantages of working with RCS Builders. We are a licensed general contractor as well as an IICRC certified restoration firm, which means we handle the cleanup and the complete reconstruction under one contract. Framing, roof, walls, flooring, cabinetry, and all finishes — no handoff to a separate contractor, no gap between remediation and rebuild.
How do you handle smoke odor?
We eliminate smoke odor rather than mask it — using thermal fogging to reach odor embedded in porous materials like drywall, insulation, and framing, and air scrubbers with HEPA filtration to remove airborne particulates. We also clean the HVAC system and ductwork, where smoke odor recirculates from if it is not addressed. The result is clean indoor air, not a covered-up smell.
What about the water damage from putting the fire out?
Fire suppression frequently leaves thousands of gallons of water in the structure — soaking framing, insulation, and subfloors. In Phoenix's climate that water begins growing mold within 24 to 48 hours if it is not professionally dried. We address the post-fire water damage as part of the restoration — extraction, drying, and moisture verification — so it does not become a mold problem layered on top of the fire.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
It depends on the severity and scope. Smoke and soot cleanup with minor repairs may take a few days to a couple of weeks. Full residential or commercial reconstruction after significant fire damage can take weeks to months. We assess the full scope, provide a detailed timeline, and communicate throughout so you always know where the project stands.
Fire Damage Services
Specific Fire Damage Services — Every Scenario We Restore
01
Kitchen Fire Damage Repair
02
Electrical Fire Damage Repair
03
Garage Fire Damage Repair
04
Smoke & Soot Damage Cleanup
05
Attic Fire Damage Repair
06
Lightning Strike Fire Damage
07
Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
08
Wildfire & Smoke Damage
09
Fire Damage Rebuild & Reconstruction
Service Area
Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Across Greater Phoenix
Based in Tempe. Responding to fire and smoke damage across all of Maricopa County — residential, commercial, and industrial — 24/7.
San Tan Valley
Paradise Valley
Fountain Hills
Apache Junction
Sun Lakes
Peoria
Avondale
Goodyear
Surprise
Maricopa
Gold Canyon
Carefree
Ahwatukee
Ocotillo
Arcadia
Cave Creek
Phoenix
Tempe
Chandler
Mesa
Gilbert
Scottsdale
Queen Creek
Laveen
Glendale
Fire or Smoke Damage. Call Us Now. We Handle Everything From Board-Up to Rebuild.
RCS Builders restores homes and businesses after fire and smoke damage across Greater Phoenix — 24/7 emergency response, complete cleanup and odor removal, contents restoration, and full reconstruction under one licensed general contractor, insurance coordinated from the first day.
Available 24/7 · Greater Phoenix Valley · IICRC Certified · Licensed & Insured