# Fire damage questions and answers

> Short answers about fire, smoke, soot, water and winter freeze risk in Minneapolis homes, plus every question answered on this site's other pages.

URL: https://firedamagerestorationminneapolis.com/faq/  
Section: Home > Questions and answers  
Last updated: 2026-10-31

Disclosure: Fire Damage Restoration Minneapolis is a call-in referral service. Your call is connected to an independent, licensed local contractor who speaks with you on that call; we do not perform the work ourselves.

Brief answers to the questions people ask most after a house fire in Minneapolis, followed by every question answered elsewhere on the site. Every answer is general guidance. Read on.

## Quick answers, then the full list

The quick answers below are short enough to read aloud. Each topic is covered in more depth on the service, neighborhood and guide pages, which list their sources. After the quick answers, this page brings together every question answered elsewhere on the site.

For questions about your own house, calling is fastest: you will reach an independent local restoration contractor on that call. Coverage decisions belong to your insurer, and safety decisions to the fire department and licensed trades. When in doubt, ask them first.

If something here does not match your situation, the guides go into more detail.

Sources for each answer are listed on the page the answer comes from.

## Quick answers

### What comes first after a house fire?

Get everyone out and safe, wait for the fire department to release the house, find somewhere warm to stay, then call your insurer to start the claim.

### What if it is freezing and the heat is off?

Say so first when you call. Temporary heat or draining the plumbing stops pipes and radiators from freezing and bursting.

### Why does the smoke smell return when the heat runs?

Heat releases odor from residue in ducts, on radiators, in plaster and in attic insulation. Those need cleaning or replacing.

### Can I wipe soot off plaster with water?

Not first. Water smears soot into plaster and paint. It is removed dry with HEPA vacuums and dry sponges before any wet cleaning.

### How fast must wet materials be dried?

Within 24 to 48 hours where possible, to prevent mold. Materials that cannot dry in time are removed.

### Is it safe to stay in the house?

Only if the fire department released it, heat and utilities are checked and safe, and smoke and water did not reach the rooms you would use.

### Must I hire the contractor my insurer names?

No. Minnesota homeowners choose who repairs their home. The insurer decides what the policy covers.

### Who picks up when I call?

An independent local restoration contractor, on that same call. This site does not do the work.

## Still unsure about something?

Call and ask an independent local restoration contractor on the same call.

## Talk to someone

Call (612) 471-0995 (+16124710995). Your call connects to an independent local contractor who speaks with you on that call.