Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration in Ontario
Fire and smoke damage restoration covers everything that happens after the fire trucks leave: boarding up broken windows and openings, extracting standing water left from suppression efforts, removing charred materials, and clearing soot and smoke odour from walls, ceilings, ductwork, and contents. Depending on how bad the fire was, the job might also involve structural drying, deodorization with thermal fogging or ozone treatment, and full reconstruction of drywall, flooring, and cabinetry. Most of the 113 companies listed in this category handle the whole sequence, from the emergency board-up through to the final rebuild, often working directly with insurance adjusters.
What to look for before hiring
Fire jobs move fast and the stakes are high, so a few things matter more here than in a typical renovation. Check that the company carries IICRC certification for fire and smoke restoration (not just water damage), that they can mobilize within a few hours for board-up and content removal, and that they document damage thoroughly for insurance purposes. Ask how they handle odour removal specifically, since surface cleaning alone doesn't get rid of smoke smell trapped in porous materials. A company that also offers reconstruction under one roof can save you from managing two separate contractors and two sets of timelines.
How we score these companies
Our rankings weigh licensing and certifications, response time claims, the breadth of services offered (mitigation through rebuild), and verified customer feedback specific to fire and smoke jobs. The full methodology, including how we weight each factor, is explained on our methodology page. For a shortlist of the top-rated companies in this category, see our best fire and smoke restoration companies in Ontario guide.
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All fire & smoke damage restoration, ranked by score and relevance
We found 154 businesses offering fire & smoke damage restoration; 90 met the criteria for the scored directory. The order weighs each business's overall score by how much of its reviewed work is fire & smoke damage restoration, so a lower-scored specialist can rank above a higher-scored generalist. Filter and sort below, or open the full map view.
Enquiries submitted through our forms may be passed to partner providers who can carry out the work. We may receive a referral fee for these introductions, but our rankings and scores are based solely on our published methodology and are not affected by referral fees.
Common questions about fire & smoke damage restoration
- How much does fire and smoke damage restoration cost in Ontario?
- Costs vary widely depending on severity. A minor smoke-only incident with cleaning and deodorization might run a few thousand dollars, while a structural fire requiring demolition and full reconstruction can reach well into six figures. Most companies work directly with your insurer and the final bill depends on the scope your adjuster approves, so get a written itemized estimate before work begins.
- How soon after a fire should restoration start?
- As soon as the fire department clears the property, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Soot is acidic and continues to etch metal, discolor surfaces, and set into porous materials the longer it sits, and any water used to fight the fire needs to be extracted quickly to prevent mold. Fast board-up also protects the property from weather and theft while the claim is processed.
- The team smoke odour actually go away, or just get masked?
- A proper job removes the odour source rather than covering it. That means cleaning or removing affected materials, sealing surfaces that can't be fully cleaned, and using deodorization methods like thermal fogging, ozone treatment, or hydroxyl generators in enclosed spaces. If a company only sprays air freshener or relies on ventilation alone, expect the smell to return, especially in humid weather.
- How do I judge the quality of a fire restoration company before hiring?
- Ask for proof of IICRC fire and smoke restoration certification, request references from recent fire jobs specifically (not just water damage), and confirm they document everything with photos and moisture readings for your insurance claim. A company willing to walk you through their process step by step, rather than just quoting a lump sum, is usually a better sign than one racing to get a signature.
Guides to choosing fire & smoke damage restoration
- Fire and smoke damage restoration: what to expect after a house fire
What a fire and smoke damage restoration job actually involves, from board-up to final odor removal, and how long it typically takes.