Post Fire Residue Assessment

Fire event near residential neighborhood
Free Assessment · No Obligation

Post-Fire Residue
Assessment & Cleanup

Wildfire smoke and nearby fire events can leave fine residue that settles in places you don't always notice — attics, vents, surfaces, and HVAC systems. We provide a documented assessment and a clear plan so you can decide what to do next.

Denver-Based · Locally Owned Since 2008 IICRC Certified
Expectations

What This Service Is (And Isn't)

What It Is
Property Assessment

A practical, restoration-focused evaluation of your home's condition after smoke exposure or a nearby fire event — with documentation, testing options, and clear next steps.

What It Isn't
Not a Medical Evaluation

We focus on the property, the residue and its impact, and cleanup or restoration options. This is a home-conditions assessment — not a health diagnosis.

January 2, 2026

The Leetsdale Fire

The largest Denver-area fire in at least 30 years — and the smoke traveled miles into surrounding neighborhoods.

Denver firefighters respond to five-alarm fire at Leetsdale Drive, January 2, 2026
Firefighters work the scene of the Leetsdale construction site fire, January 3, 2026
5
Alarm Fire
156+
Firefighters Deployed
3
Days Burning
283
Unit Complex

On January 2, 2026, a five-alarm fire erupted at a 283-unit apartment complex under construction near the intersection of Leetsdale Drive and South Forest Street. The building — reported at over 233,000 square feet — was largely consumed.

Over 156 firefighters from Denver, Aurora, and South Metro responded. Crews worked the blaze for three days. Nearby residents were evacuated due to extreme heat, and surrounding homes and businesses sustained damage. Fire officials called it the largest Denver-area fire in at least 30 years.

The building lacked fire suppression systems, allowing flames to spread rapidly. Without interior finishes to absorb heat, the framed-timber structure burned extremely hot — producing massive amounts of smoke and particulate that traveled miles with the wind.

Source: The Denver Post, January 2–4, 2026. An Aurora man was later arrested on suspicion of arson.

Aerial view of the Leetsdale Drive fire site

Fire Zone

How Close Was the Fire to Your Home?

The fire at 5337 Leetsdale Drive produced smoke that traveled miles. Homes in the surrounding area may have invisible contamination in attics, on surfaces, and inside HVAC systems.

5337 Leetsdale Drive, Denver, CO · Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood

We Test. Not Guess.
Professional testing can help verify whether contamination is present — before any work begins.
From Your Neighbors

Common Reasons Homeowners Call

“

We were near the Leetsdale fire and want documentation and clarity.

“

We're seeing fine dust or residue and want to know what it is.

“

We're concerned about our attic, HVAC, and hard-to-reach areas.

“

We want a professional plan before spending money on the wrong thing.

Our Capabilities

Post-Fire Residue Services

We provide comprehensive fire and smoke-related services — from assessment and residue removal to odor strategies and insurance documentation.

Assessment & Documentation

Thorough evaluation of visible and hidden areas with a clear plan before any work begins.

  • On-site walkthrough (attic, HVAC, surfaces)
  • Photo documentation & findings summary
  • Options plan: monitor / targeted / full scope
  • Clear next steps — no surprises
Smoke & Soot Removal

Specialized cleaning to address residues on surfaces, structures, and contents.

  • Dry sponge + HEPA vacuum walls and ceilings
  • Wet clean with approved soot removal detergents
  • Room-by-room treatment plans
  • Contents coordination when applicable
Odor Elimination

Multi-step deodorization approach selected based on the conditions found.

  • Project-specific deodorization options
  • HVAC return considerations
  • Escalation paths for severe cases
Insurance Claim Support

Documentation and support to help navigate the restoration portion of a claim.

  • Detailed damage documentation
  • Estimate support & adjuster coordination
  • Direct communication when needed
Attic insulation removal
Steam cleaning surfaces
HVAC duct cleaning
Our Process

How It Works

Schedule

Book your free on-site assessment. We confirm access details and discuss your concerns.

Assess & Document

We walk through key areas, take photos, and document conditions throughout your home.

Options & Plan

You receive recommended options with clear scope and pricing. No surprises.

Cleanup

If remediation is needed, our team follows IICRC S700 fire/smoke and S500 restoration standards with full documentation.

Reconstruction

As a licensed general contractor, we coordinate restoration through reconstruction under one roof — if needed.

Your Assessment Includes

What You'll Receive

Every assessment produces documentation you can use — whether you proceed with us, file a claim, or simply want a record.

Photo DocumentationPhotos of attic, HVAC, surfaces, and any visible contamination or entry points.
Written Findings SummaryClear description of what was found, where, and at what level.
Options PlanRecommended paths: monitor, targeted remediation, or full-scope restoration — with pricing.
Insurance-Ready DocumentationEverything organized for your adjuster — so you're not starting from scratch.
Independent Verification

Optional: Third-Party Testing

If you want lab-backed environmental data, we can coordinate testing through an independent third party. Common methods include surface swab tests and air samples, processed by EMSL — a national environmental testing laboratory.

We'll explain what testing can and can't tell you and how results affect scope decisions. Pre-testing can help establish whether contamination is present; post-testing can help verify that remediation met agreed criteria.

Testing is an environmental data point — not a health diagnosis.

Fire & Smoke Damage Testing — Pocket Guide

Published by EMSL Analytical, Inc. Sampling and analytical procedures for fire debris.

Download PDF
A Homeowner Near Leetsdale

Your Neighbor's Results

We completed a full assessment and remediation for a homeowner directly behind the Leetsdale fire. Soot contamination entered through soffit vents, infiltrated attic insulation, and settled on surfaces throughout — all invisibly.

  • Attic insulation upgraded from approximately 8 inches (~R-19) to 20 inches (~R-49) — with baffles added for improved roof venting
  • Deep cleaned every surface, furniture, and contents — top to bottom
  • Cleaned entire HVAC system
  • Post-remediation clearance test verified the home met cleanup criteria
  • Insurance covered the full scope — she paid only her deductible
  • Completed in approximately one week
“It's the cleanest my house has ever been.”
— Homeowner, Leetsdale Area
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Most Homeowners Never Think to Check
Industry professionals estimate that fewer than 2% of homeowners near a fire event get their home professionally assessed. The rest assume they're too far away.

Smoke and soot from a nearby fire is typically classified as direct physical damage from an event — which many homeowner policies cover. Insurance companies pay for this because it's preventative: addressing contamination now avoids larger replacement costs later. Coverage varies by policy. We help you understand your options and provide the documentation your insurance company needs.

Don't wait too long. Colorado property damage claims have filing deadlines, and most insurance policies require prompt notice — deadlines vary by carrier. Documentation created now helps preserve your options.

We've worked with carriers including:
USAA Insurance USAA Insurance Chubb Insurance Chubb Insurance
Clean home interior after restoration
Flexible Scope

Service Options

Every home is different. We don't sell one-size-fits-all solutions.

Option A

Assessment + Documentation

Best for homeowners who want clarity before taking action.

Includes walkthrough, photos, and written recommendations for your insurance company.

Option B

Targeted Remediation

Best when contamination is found in specific areas.

Scope limited to agreed areas with clear completion criteria and post-work verification.

Option C

Full Restoration

Best for comprehensive cleanup and home improvement.

May include insulation replacement, contents cleaning, HVAC cleaning, and post-remediation clearance testing.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Sooner is better. Soot residue corrodes surfaces, degrades finishes, and can damage electronics over time — even when you can't see it. Insurance claims also have filing windows — deadlines vary by carrier, so check your policy or ask your adjuster. Scheduling an assessment removes the guesswork and creates documentation while conditions are still clear.

Not always. Some properties need comprehensive restoration. Others mainly need assessment, documentation, and targeted cleaning. We scope to what's actually needed — we don't rip everything apart when cleaning is the right answer. That's why insurance companies work with us: we're not asking for the moon.

Smoke particles enter through soffit vents, HVAC returns, open windows, and other gaps. During a multi-day fire event like the Leetsdale fire, particles infiltrate attic insulation, settle on surfaces, and collect in ductwork — often invisibly. Soffit vents are designed for airflow, which also means they admit smoke particulate.

Coverage varies by policy. Smoke and soot from a fire event is typically classified as "direct physical damage from an event" — which many homeowner policies cover. Insurance companies often approve remediation because it's preventative: cleaning now avoids costlier replacements later. We provide documentation and can coordinate with your adjuster.

Not always. Many decisions can be made based on documented conditions. If you want lab-backed verification, we can coordinate independent third-party testing through EMSL — a national environmental testing laboratory — for defensible proof. Pre-testing can help establish whether contamination is present; post-testing can help verify that remediation met agreed criteria.

Many items can be evaluated for restoration depending on type and exposure level. Our Contents & Cleaning division coordinates item-level assessment and cleaning. Soft goods, furniture, clothing, and many household items can often be restored rather than replaced.

No. We focus on the property, documentation, and cleanup/restoration — not medical outcomes. Clearance testing verifies remediation results from a property-conditions standpoint.

We are restorers first. Our approach is to clean the envelope — following IICRC S700 fire and smoke restoration standards — rather than default to removing and replacing everything. Many competitors rip out drywall, replace furnaces and all ductwork. That approach is more invasive, takes longer, and costs insurance companies more. Our targeted cleaning delivers a documented, defensible result, typically in about a week.

About Earth Saving Solutions

Why ESS

We're a restoration and construction company — not a "spray and pray" crew. Serving the Denver metro and Front Range since 2008.

Clear expectations and honest scopes

Professional documentation at every step

Restoration AND construction under one roof

24/7 emergency response

IICRC S700 (fire/smoke) and S500 (water) certified firm

We are restorers first — we clean the envelope, we don't rip it apart

IICRC Certified

“It's not just about the job. It's about the people.”

Get a Documented Assessment and a Clear Plan

Schedule your free assessment. We'll confirm a time, walk through your home, document what we find, and give you straightforward options. No pressure. No guesswork.

Call or text — available 24/7
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your neighbor's story
Know a neighbor who should get assessed? Ask about our referral program when you schedule your assessment.
Earth Saving Solutions
1015 E 70th Ave, Denver, CO 80229
essremodel.com

Office: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Emergency Service Available 24/7
Locally Owned Since 2008 · Denver Metro · Front Range
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    Earth Saving Solutions
    Your full-service, fully licensed, and insured general contractor serving both residential homes and commercial buildings in the Colorado Front Range region

    Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday–Sunday: Closed
    24/7 Emergency Restoration Service Available

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