Summer in Birmingham means backyard cookouts, holiday fireworks, and increased air conditioner use. Unfortunately, these activities also bring higher summer fire risks for homes and businesses. Grill flare‑ups, stray firework sparks, and overloaded circuits can all spark a blaze in minutes. When a fire strikes, quick action and professional fire damage restoration are essential to protect your property and recover swiftly. Royal Restoration has been offering 24/7 response and fire cleanup for Birmingham residents for decades.
Top Causes of Summer House Fires
#1 – Grill and Cookout Accidents
Charcoal and gas grills generate intense heat that can ignite nearby wooden decks, siding, or dry landscaping. Common mistakes include placing grills too close to structures, neglecting to clean grease buildup in burners, or leaving a hot grill unattended. Always position your grill at least ten feet from walls and railings, inspect gas hoses for leaks before each use, and keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
#2 – Fireworks and Outdoor Burns
Fourth of July celebrations often feature consumer fireworks that can veer off course and land on rooftops or lawns. Sparklers burn at temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a hazard in dry conditions. Because many locals set off fireworks on residential properties, embers may fall into attic vents or gutters where dry leaves ignite. Be aware of and follow local regulations, use fireworks over paved surfaces, and have water or a hose nearby to douse errant sparks.
#3 – Overloaded Circuits and HVAC Faults
High electricity demand in summer overloads old or undersized wiring, causing breakers to trip or insulation to melt. Running window air conditioners, refrigerators, and fans on the same circuit increases risk. Careless homeowners might short or bypass fuses that keep blowing, or reset tripped breakers repeatedly, instead of addressing the root cause. To prevent electrical fires, have a licensed electrician inspect your panel, install dedicated circuits for major appliances, and ensure your HVAC system is maintained each spring.
What to Do Right After A Fire
Ensure Safety and Contact Authorities
First, make sure all occupants are safe and accounted for. If you are inside when the fire starts, exit the building immediately using your preplanned escape route. Do not reenter once you are outside.
Call 911 to report the fire and request emergency medical help if anyone is injured. Once the fire is out and authorities give the all-clear, do not turn utilities back on until a qualified inspector checks for electrical or gas leaks. Keep a safe distance from damaged structures in case of collapse. Prioritize your family and staff’s safety before any recovery efforts begin.
Document Damage and Notify Insurance
After it is safe to return, take photos and videos of every affected area, including walls, ceilings, floors, and personal items. Capture close-ups of soot staining and structural damage.
Create an inventory list of damaged belongings with estimated values. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the loss. Submit your documentation along with any fire department or police reports you received.
Keep records of all communications with your insurer and any emergency repairs you arrange, such as boarding up windows or covering holes in the roof. Prompt notification and detailed evidence help your claim move forward without delay.
What’s Involved With Fire Damage Restoration?
Professional fire cleanup begins with removing loose soot from walls and ceilings using dry cleaning sponges or vacuum systems with HEPA filters to capture fine particles. Technicians then apply specialized cleaning solutions that break down acidic residues on surfaces without causing further damage.
For porous materials such as upholstery or fabrics, thermal fogging and hydroxyl generators neutralize smoke odors at the molecular level. HVAC systems are also cleaned and sanitized to prevent smoke from circulating through ducts after restoration work is complete.
Structural Repairs and Odor Elimination
Once soot and smoke residues are removed, restoration crews assess structural elements like framing, subflooring, and drywall to determine what must be replaced or reinforced. They remove irreparable materials and rebuild using fire-rated products and code-compliant methods.
To ensure long-term odor control, technicians apply encapsulating sealers on walls and ceilings that trap residual smoke compounds. Air scrubbers and negative air machines run until all traces of odor are eliminated.
Final inspections confirm that both structural integrity and indoor air quality meet safety standards before your home or business returns to service.
Follow These Tips for Faster Recovery
- Create an emergency plan that includes working fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and clear exit routes.
- Keep a list of local emergency contacts and your insurance agent on hand.
- After a fire, arrange for immediate board-up to secure your property and prevent further damage.
- Store important documents in fireproof containers and backup digital records off-site.
- Schedule annual maintenance of grills, electrical panels, and HVAC systems to reduce summer fire risks.
- Educate family members or staff on basic fire extinguisher use and first aid for burns.
Partner With Royal Restoration for Rapid Fire Cleanup
Royal Restoration brings fast, expert fire damage restoration in Birmingham. Our licensed technicians are available around the clock to handle soot removal, structural repairs, fire damage restoration, fire cleanup, and odor elimination services designed to get you back on your feet quickly with professional care and clear communication.
Leading Fire Damage Restoration in Alabama
When a fire strikes your home or business, every moment matters. Get started online or call us to schedule an immediate assessment and get the ball rolling on your restoration.