Fire Damage Restoration in Boise & Nampa, Idaho

After a house fire in Boise or Nampa

A fire, even a small kitchen fire, leaves three kinds of damage: what burned, what got wet when the fire was put out, and what smoke and soot reached. Firefighting water can soak floors and walls well away from the flames, and that wet material needs drying just like a burst pipe. Smoke residue is acidic and keeps working on finishes, metal and electronics, so cleanup that starts within days generally saves more than cleanup that waits weeks.

In the Treasure Valley, common sources are cooking fires, dryer vents clogged with lint, space heaters and extension cords during cold months, garage fires, and occasionally grass or brush fires that reach a fence or outbuilding. Homes near the Boise Foothills and open land at the edge of Nampa and Kuna also see smoke and ember exposure in wildfire season.

What to do in the first hour (and first day)

1. Do not go back inside until the fire department says it is safe. Floors, ceilings and stairs can be weakened. Ask the officer in charge whether utilities were shut off and which areas to stay out of.
2. Utilities. If gas was shut off at the meter, only the gas company (Intermountain Gas in most of the Treasure Valley) should turn it back on. Have power checked before it is restored to damaged areas.
3. Ask for the incident information. Get the fire department's incident or report number. Your insurer will ask for it.
4. Call your insurance company and ask about additional living expenses (often called loss of use) if the home is not livable. Many policies pay for a hotel or rental and meals over your normal costs. Keep every receipt.
5. Find short-term help. If you need emergency shelter, clothing or medication replacement, the American Red Cross responds to home fires in Idaho.
6. Secure the property. Broken windows, a vented roof or a forced door leave the house open to weather and theft. Board-up and tarping are normally considered part of protecting the property, which policies expect you to do.
7. Photograph everything before anything is thrown away, room by room, including inside closets and cabinets.

What fire restoration usually involves

• Emergency services: board-up, roof tarping, temporary fencing if needed.
• Water removal and drying from firefighting efforts.
• Debris removal and demolition of burned materials, with care for asbestos or lead in older homes. Homes built before the 1980s may need testing before demolition.
• Contents work: inventory, pack-out to a clean facility, cleaning of salvageable items and a list of non-salvageable ones for the claim.
• Smoke and odor treatment: soot cleaning, HVAC and duct cleaning, sealing and deodorizing. See our smoke damage page.
• Rebuild: framing, drywall, electrical, roofing and finishes. Rebuild work typically needs a building permit from the City of Boise, City of Nampa or the county, depending on where you live.

Insurance tips after a fire

• Read the policy's deadlines. Policies set time limits for filing a proof of loss and for completing repairs to collect full replacement cost. Ask your adjuster for these dates in writing.
• Make a contents inventory as you go. Walk through photos and videos you already have on your phone; old pictures from holidays and birthdays often show what was in a room.
• Do not throw out damaged items until the adjuster says it is okay.
• Actual cash value vs. replacement cost. Many policies pay depreciated value first and the rest (the "holdback") after items are actually replaced or repairs are done.
• Get your own estimate. You can choose your contractor. Compare the contractor's scope with the adjuster's line by line and ask about anything missing.
• Be cautious with anyone who shows up at the scene uninvited and pressures you to sign right away. Read every document, especially assignments of benefits or direction-of-payment forms.
• The Idaho Department of Insurance can answer questions if you and your insurer disagree.

Questions to ask before you hire

• Are you registered with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)? Check it yourself online.
• Do you hold IICRC fire and smoke restoration training (the S700 standard)?
• Will you provide a written scope, a contents inventory and photo documentation for my claim?
• Who pulls the building permit for rebuild work?
• Can I see a certificate of insurance?

This site connects you with independent local contractors. We do not perform the work, inspect it or guarantee it.

Related services

Storm & wind damage and roof tarping · Trauma & biohazard cleanup · Rebuilding & reconstruction · Service areas

Services

Areas served

We take requests from across the Treasure Valley and nearby: Boise · Nampa · Meridian · Eagle · Star · Kuna · Caldwell · Middleton · Emmett · Parma · Homedale · Melba · Fruitland & Payette · Garden Valley, plus Garden City, Notus, Wilder, Greenleaf and other nearby towns. See all service areas. Outlying towns may have longer response times.

Frequently asked questions

How much does fire damage restoration cost in the Boise area?

It depends on the size of the affected area, how long the damage sat, and what has to be removed or rebuilt. A contractor should inspect and give you a written estimate; many sudden losses are covered by homeowners insurance after your deductible.

Can I get fire damage restoration help in Nampa?

Yes. Requests from Nampa, Boise, Meridian, Caldwell and nearby towns are passed to a local restoration company that serves that area.