Contaminated water
Suppression water carries ash, soot, charred debris and the combustion products of everything that burned. Under the IICRC S500 standard it is Category 3: porous materials it saturated are removed, and the crew works with protective equipment and containment.
Where it goes
Down and sideways: through the ceiling below, along joists, into wall cavities, to the lowest floor and into the crawl space or basement. Moisture meters and thermal imaging map it on day one.
Extraction, removal, drying
Standing water pumped and extracted; saturated drywall, insulation, carpet and pad removed, photographed and measured, which also opens smoke-filled cavities for cleaning; air movers and dehumidifiers sized to the space run until dry standard, with daily readings logged. Temporary power and heat are arranged where the service is off.
On the claim
Extraction, removals, equipment days and monitoring are itemized with the fire scope and billed directly to your insurer on covered claims; your deductible applies as your policy states.
