An Open Door Welcomes Extreme Fire Damage in Downingtown

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

These photos show the aftermath of a devastating fire in Downingtown.  However, they also show how the difference of how an open or closed door can make a significant impact on the fire damage that is produced.  While the one area was left severely damaged, another area of the home was left barely affected in the same property.

In the first photo, there is extensive fire damage in the entire room, including along the walls, ceiling and floor in addition to the contents in the area.  The door was left open to this space.  The second photo indicates minimal fire damage to the walls and structure.  In this particular space, the door was closed off to the rest of the home and prevented the fire from producing drastic destruction.

Since a fire can happen when we least expect it, it is critical to always prepare for these disasters.  By using doors to shut off each living area from the rest of a property, the fire, smoke and soot that is present will have a more difficult time reaching those areas.

A closed door lessens the oxygen to a fire which also prevents its strength and growth.  It also adds a significant amount of time for those finding an escape route.  It is recommended that you have an escape route in place in the event of an emergency.

SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford successfully cleaned and restored this Downingtown home to preloss conditions.  These types of disasters are often overwhelming and stressful for those involved, so we hope that our local community continues to follow the proper safety procedures in order to prevent or limit the extent of fire damage encountered.  Many of these safety guidelines can be found from the National Fire Protection Association.  Should your home or business endure fire, smoke or soot damage, we’re here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”