Fire Damaged Kitchen in Ventura, CA

When a kitchen fire in Ventura left charred studs and pervasive smoke odor, JW Home Care’s IICRC-certified fire-damage team was onsite within hours. After coordinating a detailed scope of work with Farmers Insurance, we removed cabinets, drywall, and insulation down to the studs, then performed full-home smoke remediation. With expert handling and insurance approval, the kitchen was ready for rebuild in just six days.

The Incident

• A grease fire in the kitchen range vented into surrounding cabinets and walls.
• Smoke penetration affected the kitchen, adjacent dining area, and living room.
• Initial inspection revealed charred framing, soot-coated HVAC vents, and strong odors throughout the home.

Our Fire-Damage Cleanup Process

1. Scope & Approval: Collaborated with the homeowner and Farmers Insurance to finalize demolition and remediation plans.
2. Selective Demolition: Removed all fire-damaged cabinets, drywall, and insulation down to the wood studs—preserving unaffected structural elements.
3. Debris Removal: Cleared over 1,200 lbs of charred materials and ash from the property, preventing further contamination.
4. Smoke Remediation: Utilized hydroxyl generators and HEPA air scrubbers in every room to neutralize odors and particulates.
5. Duct Cleaning: Cleaned HVAC ductwork and replaced filters to stop soot recirculation and improve air quality.
6. Surface Treatment: Applied EPA-registered cleaning agents to framing, flooring substrates, and remaining surfaces to remove residual soot.

Project Highlights

• Duration: 6 days (2 days demolition & debris removal + 4 days smoke remediation)
• Areas treated: Kitchen, dining room, living room, and HVAC system
• Debris removed: ~1,200 lbs of fire-damaged materials
• Clearance: Smoke testing passed on first attempt, odor levels reduced by 98%

Why Professional Fire Cleanup Matters

Partial cleanup can leave behind hidden soot and toxins that degrade indoor air quality and corrode wiring or plumbing. Our IICRC-certified approach ensures structural safety, thorough smoke removal, and prevents long-term health risks. As an EPA Lead-Safe firm and California-licensed general contractor, we meet the highest industry standards.

Five Prevention Tips

• Clean range hoods: Remove grease buildup every 3–6 months to reduce fire fuel.
• Install a hood fire suppressor: These automatic systems can extinguish small grease fires.
• Replace smoke alarms: Test monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
• Maintain clear ventilation: Ensure vents and filters are free of obstructions.
• Keep a class-K extinguisher nearby: Specifically rated for kitchen grease fires.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Don’t let fire and smoke damage linger in your home. Call JW Home Care for expert Fire Damage Restoration in Ventura, CA cleanup and remediation—our IICRC-certified team handles demolition, soot removal, and full-home deodorization with precision and care. Curious how we restored a vacation-flooded home next door? Read our Water Damage after Vacation in Camarillo, CA case study to see another example of our rapid-response restoration.