Who Remembers the Colby Trail Fire?

9/29/2024 (Permalink)

Who Remembers the Colby Fire?

Roughly seven years ago, the city of Glendora experienced a very intense wildfire, in the foothills directly behind the city. The Glendora community was in a panic at the quickly growing flames.

It was started by a group of young men, who had illegally lit a campfire, while hiking in the mountains. The Santa Ana winds had picked up embers from the campfire and chaos ensued. It is now known as the Colby Trail Fire, named after a hiking trail. In total, it burned over 1,992 acres of land, destroyed 5 homes, and injured one person. 3,600 city residents were evacuated. Poor air quality was an immediate concern for residents.

Many Glendora and Azusa city residents were very concerned about their homes. Removing dry debris around them and watering their lawns was a tactic that many residents used in the hope to protect their property. 

Residents shut their windows and doors to keep falling ash and poor air from coming into their homes. Others take pieces of plywood or tarp and cover the vents on the roof or chimney, in order to prevent embers from entering their housing structures. 

Homeowners with pools would fill up their pools and spas with additional water from their garden hoses. It is not unusual for water-bombing helicopters to pick up water from residents' backyard pools in order to aid in putting out wildfires. It is a small gesture that can be of huge help to the air bombers looking for bodies of water nearby. 

The Colby Fire lasted approximately ten days.

Glendora and San Dimas residents are always encouraged to call SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas if their home is ever affected by a fire. SERVPRO® specializes in fire restoration and is available 24/7. Owner Joe McCann has a plethora of fire restoration knowledge. 

We are located at 433 Fleetwood Place, Glendora, CA 91741. Stop by and say hi sometime!

Glendora Home Fire

6/12/2024 (Permalink)

Glendora Residential Fire

It all started at approximately 11:00pm on Monday night, July 25th, 2016.  Returning home after an evening out, Jason and his family entered their house in Glendora ready to call it a night. That’s when their 9 year old daughter happened to notice an unusual discolored spot on the ceiling about 15 feet from the front door.

They were all about to find out how important this little girl’s casual observation would be.

Upon examining the ceiling, Jason reached up and discovered there was heat coming from the ceiling where the spot was.  Climbing a ladder to get to the attic access opening, Jason discovered a fire was burning above the ceiling.  He immediately dialed 911.  Within minutes, the Glendora Police and the Fire Department arrived on scene.  Preparations were being made to penetrate the roof while FireFighters inside the home removed the ceiling where the flames were burning. 

Because of the quick observation of the resident and the immediate action of the first responders, the roof did not have to be penetrated, avoiding extensive structural damage to the property.   As the fire hadn’t spread, only a minimal amount of water was induced to suppress the fire.  Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Once the property was stabilized, the fire investigator was on site to determine the source of the fire.  It appears there was an electrical short that damaged a flexible gas line allowing gas to leak from the line and ignite.

Attic fires are not that unusual.  However, in this case the chance observation of the discolored spot on the ceiling by Jason’s 9 year old daughter was indeed fortunate.  If it wasn’t for her noticing this when they first arrived home, the trouble brewing in the attic could have been a much bigger problem for their home and their safety.

Joe McCann has over 16 years as a SERVPRO owner. With three franchises, Joe and his team have a plethora of cautionary tales to learn from. In case of an emergency fire, always call 9-1-1. For fire restoration, call SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Kind of Smoke Damage is This?

6/5/2024 (Permalink)

There are three different types of smoke that can damage your home. SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas is expertly trained in cleaning all of them.

Synthetic: Synthetic residue appears when oil based materials are burned such as plastics and fabrics. This could include everything from window coverings, furniture, carpets, and electronics. Synthetic materials produce a thick black smoke when they burn, leaving behind a smeary residue. Avoid touching any of the residue to prevent smearing. Vacuuming the residue has proven to be the best approach to cleaning synthetic residues left behind, followed by dry-chem sponge cleaning.

Protein: Proteins such as meat and beans, for example, will leave behind a yellowish brown residue when they burn. The texture is greasy feeling and can stick to any surface, making it a pain to clean up. Make sure you  head over to your local home improvement store and ask for the proper fire cleaning solution that will work well on cleaning up after protein fires.

Natural: These type of fires are caused by the burning of natural products such as wood and paper. They produce dry powdery residue that is greyish-black in colour. These residues are easier to clean up than the synthetic or protein residues. Removing the residues can be done by vacuuming with a bristled brush, followed by dry-chem sponge cleaning.

Always contact SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas after any fire in your home for proper fire restoration services. Joe McCann and his team can be reached at 626-852-9922.

Common Workspace Fires

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Just as you work to ensure that your home is a safe place, making sure your workspace is also safe and protected from potential fire damage is also important. Offices have spaces and areas that you’ll want to make sure are safe and preventing potential fire damage. Here are some areas that you may not expect could cause a fire in your office. 

#1: Loose and Overloaded Plug Sockets & Extension Cords 

Making sure that all plugs in your outlets are securely plugged in and not loose in any way can help prevent fire damage. When a plug is loosely in an outlet it can cause reduced functioning, as well as strains wiring, connects which can cause sparking within your outlets. Additionally, do you not overload your extension cords, overloading can create too much electricity which can lead to overheating and potential fire risk. 

#2: Dishwashers & Other Kitchen Appliances 

Stovetops, microwaves, coffee makers and dishwashers all have the potential risk of starting a fire in your workplace. In order to ensure that your appliances are safe to use it’s important to check and make sure there are no faulty aspects of the appliances, everything is securely plugged in and no outlets are overloaded. Dishwashers, in particular, can be a surprising culprit in creating fire damage. Since dishwashers are a combination of electricity and liquids, it’s important to make sure they are functioning properly and not left on overnight to reduce the potential risk. 

#3: Paper Piles 

Whether it’s paperwork, magazines, newspapers, or items that need to be shredded, sitting piles of paper around the office can be potential fire starters. Make sure that paper piles are not near outlets, extension cords, or plugs and that they are reduced or eliminated as often as possible. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a Large Loss, full-service fire, smoke, wind, water repair and restoration company. We offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners.

Dryer Fire Prevention

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Each year, firefighters across the country respond to around 14,630 home fires caused by clothes dryers, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unfortunately, most dryer related fires can be prevented. An estimated 34 percent of these fires occur due to failure to clean the machines

If dryer fires are relatively common, but preventable, what can you do to make sure a fire doesn’t occur at your home? Here’s how to prevent an incident:

Clean Your Lint Filter: The most common cause of a clothes dryer fire is lint build-up and reduced airflow. Lint is an extremely combustible material. Clean your lint screen after each dryer load. 

Take Care When Washing Stained Items: Clothes stained with flammable chemicals or substances, such as gas, cooking oil, cleaning agents, or paint thinners, need special care. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends washing the clothing more than once to minimize the volatile chemicals, then hanging to dry. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that concludes with a cool-down period.

Clean the Vent Line: Cleaning should not only take place inside of vent hoses and inside of dryers, but also outside of the machines. The vent line is the wall area that is behind the dryer and goes toward the outside flap of the dryer. If this area is difficult to clean yourself, you can hire a professional to do so for you.

Maintain a Clear Drying Space: The entire surrounding area near a dryer should be clean and free of debris. No clothes, towels, cleaning supplies, or other materials should be gathered outside of a dryer.

This extra clutter, especially if cleaning supplies or flammable materials are present, will enhance the chance of a fire spreading across the home if one sparks. Fires spread rapidly, and anything that can contribute to that spread should be removed.

In the case of a dryer fire, immediately call 911. For after fire care, contact SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas at 626.852.9922

Wild Fire Can Cause Damage

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Intense Wildfire

About eight years ago, Glendora experienced a very intense wildfire, in the foothills directly behind the city.

It was started by a group of young men, who had illegally started a campfire. The Santa Ana winds had picked up embers from the campfire and chaos ensued. It is now known as the Colby Trail Fire. In total, it burned over 1,992 acres of land, destroyed 5 homes, and injured one person. 3,600 city residents were evacuated. 

Concern For Our Homes

Many Glendora and Azusa residents were very concerned about their homes. Removing dry debris around them and watering their lawns was a tactic that many residents used in the hope to protect their property. 

Residents shut their windows and doors to keep falling ash and poor air from coming into their homes. Others take pieces of plywood or tarp and cover the vents on the roof or chimney, in order to prevent embers from entering their housing structures. 

Water Bombs

Homeowners with pools would fill up their pools and spas with additional water from their garden hoses. It is not unusual for water-bombing helicopters to pick up water from residents' backyard pools in order to aid in putting out wildfires. It is a small gesture that can be of huge help to the air bombers looking for bodies of water nearby. 

The Colby Fire lasted approximately ten days.

Here For You

Glendora residents are always encouraged to call SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas if their home is ever affected by a fire. SERVPRO specializes in fire restoration and is available 24/7.

Address:

SERVPRO Glendora/ San Dimas 

433 Fleetwood Place

Glendora, CA 91741

(626) 852-9922

Did Someone Say Glendora Fire?

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Did Somebody Say Fire?

Accidents happen which is why SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help! Recently, we received a job out in Hollywood for an apartment that had completely burned and destroyed the place. The ceilings were scorched, the walls had melted and started to peel, and there was broken glass everywhere. We have a 5 step process in order to make this apartment safe to live in again!

Step 1:

The first step that our technicians have to take is to get approval from the city to start working as well as getting permits due to the electrical damage. We have gotten approval from the city for this downtown Pasadena job, so we are all set to start working on the apartment.

Step 2:

The second step is to completely strip the apartment and clear out the debris in order for our restoration team to start the restoration process. Because this apartment is on the second floor, our crew innovatively created a man-made chute to send all the trash down to the dumpster. Items that are cleared out include appliances, broken glass, smaller debris, and bigger furniture such as bookshelves, lamps, beds, etc. 

Step 3:

The next step is the removal process which can take a couple of days to complete.  Our workers have to first determine if cabinetry, fridges, stoves, sinks, showers, etc can be salvaged. If they are unsalvageable, then we remove everything. Construction and demolition experts will just remove everything on the site. However, what sets us apart is that our crew aims to restore your business or home to cut down customer’s expenses. Once everything is removed, we will check the foundation to make sure that it is safe for the owner to return. We do this because when there is a fire, it burns down the wooden foundation which can be harmful in the long run. Once the foundation is secured, we remove all the excess debris. 

Step 4:

The fourth step is to get rid of the smell. We use SERVPRO Orange to degrease the areas, Wall and All Surface Cleaner to clean the areas, Concrobium as the disinfectant, and lastly Wintergreen deodorizer to take care of the smokey smell.

Step 5:

Lastly, the final step is to take care of the hallways or any other areas of the building that were affected by the fire. We use a decontaminate cleaning spray to make sure that no soot remains on the walls, ceilings, elevators, or other doors. We do this to protect other residents. The entire process for this job takes roughly 5 whole days.

Here For You

If you or a loved one ever experience immense fire damage, don’t hesitate to give our office a call (626)-852-9922. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at your convenience.

Smoke and Soot Damage in Your California Home

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 626-852-9922

A Fire from Team McCann Past!

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

A Blast from Team McCann Past. This fire was one of our largest jobs in 2017.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas received a call from the Garden Grove Unified School District about an arson fire in one of the classrooms at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove, CA.    

Joe McCann arrived on the site and met with the Superintendent, principal, facilities manager and building engineer.  An unknown assailant had lit a desk on fire in classroom 219 on the South end of the 200 quad block over the weekend.  Significant fire damage was evident in classrooms 219, 217, 215, 220, and 218.  Smoke damage and water damage was found in classrooms 213, 214, and 216.  All surrounding corridors were affected with visible smoke damage.  Adjacent classrooms had very light smoke damage.  A scope of work was verified and approved by the school district.

Asbestos and lead testing was performed prior to commencement of work.  Asbestos was found in the tile floor covering and mastic below in all the classrooms.  All TL items were removed from the classrooms and inventoried.  Additional salvageable items were removed and taken to a staged cleaning area.  Once cleaned, these items were stored in portable storage units.  All Remaining debris was removed and disposed of.  Asbestos abatement to all of the flooring was performed.  All scorched block walls were ice blaster and encapsulated. A temporary roof was configured to allow the district time to continue the planning of the revitalization process already slated.   Pressure washing to the surrounding corridors was performed.   Light cleaning and air scrubbing was performed in the affected adjacent classrooms.

  The restoration process was completed in 2 and one half weeks.

Droughts in California - How YOU can help!

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Living in Southern California, residents are used to living in a drought ridden state. Water conservation throughout the long, west coast state is common throughout the entire year. Not just during fire season.

Owning property in California can be stressful. On one hand, you would like the area around your home (front and back yards, side areas, etc) to look well groomed and presentable. On the other hand, respecting the water regulations is also incredibly important for the safety of our state in case of wildfires.

How you can help:

• Avoid watering your yard within 48 hours of rainfall
• Do not wash your car without a shut off nozzle
• Fix any water leaks in or around your home, including leaky toilets
• Keep shower time to 5 minutes or less
• Turn off water while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Plant drought tolerant plants and trees around your home
• Use a broom or leaf blower to clean concrete and brick ares, instead of your hose
• Water your outdoor plants during cool times or day, early in the morning, or in the evening

Always keep any overgrown vegetation, or debris build up at least 30 feet away from your home. It will help potential fire damage to your home during fire season.

When Fire Damage Affects Your Glendora Home

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

When a Fire Affects Your Home:

One of the most troublesome points about fire damage in your Southern California residence is that there are often far more negative effects than you can see through a visual inspection of the damage after the flames have gotten extinguished. Worse still, your home might not be safe to enter until it has gotten cleared by certified and competent parties like our SERVPRO estimators. Smoke damage can be a health hazard. Smoke damage that is not properly taken can of, may lead to health problems down the road. 

Water damage will also be assessed by one of our professional team members. It is common to have some water damage after a fire has been extinguished. Water that is not properly cleaned up and dried, may lead to mold growth. It is essential to have a SERVPRO team come out after a fire to see if any moisture is still present in your walls, roof or furniture.

The aftermath of a fire in your home doesn’t have to be rectified on your own. Our SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas fire restoration technicians are available 24/7/365 to help you overcome the broad effects of this disaster throughout your property. Give us a call any time that you need us at (626) 852-9922.

Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays!

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. Between lighting candles for a dinner party, or putting a log on the fire for ambiance, it’s easy to have a beautiful home turn into a fire danger zone. Please look over the 9 main cause of fires below:

1: Cooking- House fires happen most during dinner hours—between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m because they are the most common dinner times.

• For grease fires, only use a fire extinguisher or baking soda. NEVER water.
• Never leave your food unattended. Fires can easily start in a matter of seconds. 

2: Heating Equipment - Almost 13% of all residential fires are caused by heating equipment. Make sure to turn off all heating equipment once you have finished using them.

3: Electrical Equipment- Keep an eye out - Look for frayed wires, surge marks in wire, and damaged cords.

4: Carelessness -Leaving a curling iron next to some facial tissue would fall under this category.

5: Open Flame- Candles, fires in the fireplace, and outdoor bonfires are enjoyable when controlled, but disastrous when they’re not, or left unattended. 

6: Appliances- If you feel like any of your appliances are acting weird, have a professional come out and service them.

7: Intentional- It should go without saying, arson is a felony and can result in up to 20 years in prison.

8: Smoking - Make sure your cigarettes and cigars are extinguished properly every time.

9: Natural- If you live in an area prone to wildfires, be sure to be aware of your local conditions.

In Case of Fire Damage

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

In Case of Fire Damage: 

Fires can involve a combination of damages including thermal damage, smoke damage, and damage caused by fire departments and sprinkler systems. SERVPRO of Irwindale and Baldwin Park offers the following fire and smoke restoration processing and procedures: 

* Full Contents Cleaning and Restoration 

* Partial or Complete Pack Out 

* On-Site Storage Facility 

* Demolition 

* Deodorization 

* 24 Hour Emergency Board Up 

* Fire and Smoke Odor Cleaning 

It takes specialized training and a great deal of professional experience to effectively restore a structure which has survived a fire. Joe McCann and his team at SERVPRO Irwindale and Baldwin Park are skilled and trained for such fire disaster events. If you have any questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage? Please call our office at 626-852-9922. We handle projects all over the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.

Increased Fire Risk During Summer

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Technician Cleaning Soot From A Wildfire

Ideal Summer

When you think of summer, you picture trips to the beach, family vacations, fireworks, and a beautiful night out in the warm breeze. What you don’t think about is firework embers landing on your roof and in your yard, increasing the potential for fires.

While fireworks are beautiful in color, they can also be very dangerous and can result in burns and other injuries. Sparklers can burn up to 2,000 degrees, and are responsible for starting approximately 18,000 fires each year. 

Risks of Leaving Campfires Unattended

Another fun activity families partake in during the summer is camping. While roasting marshmallows is a family treat, one must be responsible and extinguish their campfire properly after usage. Keep in mind that if the remains of your fire are too warm to touch, they are not okay to leave.

Here For You

SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is an Emergency Response Services Provider and we are always open and ready to support our community when needed. Unfortunately, fires in this upcoming season are too common and we see the damage they can cause first hand. 

Always check if you are inside a Fire Hazard Severity Zone before building a campfire or lighting fireworks. If you do find yourself in need of a restoration company to come in and clean your home of soot or smoke smell, give us a call. We’re happy to inspect any property and give you an estimate before filing a claim with your insurance. Call today! (626)-852-9922

SoCal Fire Season Preparations

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Technicians Restoring Home & Removing Affected Material

Fire Season

Living in Southern California, residents are very aware of the impact the Santa Ana winds can have during brush fire season. Increased wind speeds can dramatically change the outcome of a fire.

Key Tips

SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas would like to remind residents of the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas tips to keep your home safe during fire season.

• Keep trees pruned. Wildfire can spread to treetops. Check with your local fire department to determine the appropriate amount of trees that should be trimmed.
• Always clear debris from around your home. Leaves and dead foliage should always be removed from gutters, porches, decks, and other outside areas. This also applies to dry, overgrown grass. These items make perfect fuel for a traveling fire.
• Fix or replace broken roof tiles and cover exterior attic vents. This helps prevent ember penetration. 
• Keep front, back, and side yard lawns properly hydrated.

Documents, Pets, Furniture! 

Have an emergency plan set in place for your home? Important documents should be readily available in case of evacuation. If you are a pet owner, have emergency supplies set and ready to go. Any outdoor furniture or wooden gardening boxes should be moved away from your home, as far as possible. Close all doors and windows to prevent embers from entering. Make sure garden hoses are all connected to a water source – they can be useful to firefighters. 

Here For You

In the event that a wildfire does damage your home, please call SERVPRO Glendora & San Dimas. Joe McCann and his team are able to handle any sized fire restoration job. Stay updated on all Santa Ana wind and fire alerts in your area.

Fire Damage To A Structure

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fire in the Azusa Mountains

When a fire has caused damage to a structure, there may be several sources of damage that could affect what restoration process is the best.  For instance, the fire itself will burn, char, and heat up building materials that can ultimately create the need to remove and replace these damaged areas.  Then there is consideration given to the materials or fuel the fire was burning that could determine how and what processes are used in the cleaning process.  For instance if the fire is fueled primarily by plastic or petroleum based materials the soot and byproducts from the fire are different than if the source of fuel is predominantly wood or cellulose.  Also, much of the fire damage comes from the particulates suspended in the smoke which can fill the property and saturate into the porous furnishings and surfaces inside the building.  Furniture, carpeting, drapes, and clothing are examples.  These soft products are saturated with the smoke and debris from the fire resulting in surface contamination and the smell of burnt building materials.  A decision will need to be made which of these items will be cleaned and deodorized.  Because the byproducts of burning wood and manmade products are both commonly part of a structure fire, the smoke can contain a mix of high levels of acidic and oxidizing compounds.  These will settle on the surfaces of fixtures and furnishings and if not cleaned properly will begin to corrode their finishes.  Metal plated and paint surfaces should be cleaned as soon as practical to help reduce the chances of permanent damage.  In many fire damaged structures, electronics will be contaminated and the long term effects of these corrosive byproducts can affect their performance.  Replacement and or restoration may be recommended. 

So, the considerations and cleanup options vary with the scope and type of fires. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has equipment, cleaning processes, materials, the training and experience to determine the best approach to help property owners completely recover from a structure fire, or being caught down-wind from a wildfire in the foothills.  If the property is in the San Gabriel Valley or anywhere in Southern California, Give SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas a call today for an assessment if you need a professional service with answers to your restoration questions.

What To Do If A Fire Starts

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Located in Tulare County

Fires can cause intense damage fast & cause immediate alarm. Here at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, our fire experts have years of experience restoring homes after a great loss has occurred. As part of our commitment to ensuring safety to Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Covina, Azusa, and surrounding communities, we have provided tips on what to do if a fire starts. 

If a Fire Starts:

1. If the fire is manageable & you are in a safe position to do so, locate & try to use a fire extinguisher on a fire. Note: if the fire does not immediately die down, drop the extinguisher and get out. Most portable extinguishers empty in 8 seconds.
2. Call 911.
3. Locate an exit route. Note: If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your initial escape route, find an alternative way out. NEVER attempt to open doors that are hot or warm to the touch.
4. Shout "Fire!" numerous times to alert those around you and go outside right away. Note: If you are in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Save yourself and do not waste time grabbing things
5. If your only escape is through smoke, duck close to the ground & go under the smoke.
6. If your exit is blocked by smoke, heat, or flames, stay in the room with doors closed. Note: If you’re able to do so safely, place a wet towel under the door and call 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight and shout to signal for help.
7. Once you find a way outside, get away from the building/fire. Note: contact your local fire department if you were unable to do so already. 

For more information on what to do if a fire starts, visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/if-a-fire-starts.html 

These tips are reprinted by SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas as a part of our commitment to the community and the environment. Assuring the quality of life for generations to come is something we all must be working on together. For more information regarding our water/fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage repair services, please visit our website at https://www.SERVPROglendorasandimas.com or call us at (626) 852-9922

Crucial First 48 Hours

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Importance of Speed After A Fire:

The first 48 hours after a fire has started is when the most severe damage to your property occurs. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas makes a point to “restore” your home and business versus “replace” your personal items. This process is not only faster than replacing property, but also lowers overall cost. More specifically, our services range from soot removal, smoke replacement, and fire repair.

What To Expect From SERVPRO After You Call Regarding Fire Damage:

One: Inside an hour of contacting our team, a lead respondent will connect with you.

Four: Inside four hours of contacting our team, our qualified technicians are onsite to evaluate the loss.

Eight: Inside eight hours of contacting our team, certified professionals not only restore and clean,  but deodorize the area which is especially important with small children in the house. Preventative maintenance is conducted to avert future issues with soot and smoke.

Walk Through: Post completion, our technicians will take you step by step through the restoration process and answer any questions you may have.

We understand how frustrating it can be when an emergency team doesn’t arrive at your home or business for several days, and proceed to take weeks to create a plan to replace the damaged property. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas aims to be onsite not only as fast as possible with the correct supplies, but be informative and reassuring to our consumers.

5 Most Common Causes of House Fires

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO to restore your home from fire damage

#1: KItchen Fires

Most house fires occur between the hours of 5:00pm & 8:00pm, right around dinner time when parents have come home from work. When utilizing kitchen appliances, it’s important to remember to never leave cooking food unattended. One small fire can quickly become uncontrollable if left alone for too long. 

**Pro Tip: Use a fire extinguisher or baking soda to extinguish grease fires. Using water will only spread the oil.

#2: Heating Appliances

It’s very easy to become distracted and forget to turn off heating equipment in the home. Make a habit of turning off any hot appliances when leaving the room, such as curling irons or ovens.

#3: Electrical Accidents

Statistically, faulty electrical equipment causes up to 6% of all house fires. Routinely check your appliances for frayed or damaged chords and be sure to replace them as soon as possible.

#4: Carelessness

We understand that mistakes happen. However, properly putting out cigarettes and candles, while ensuring your hot appliances are not near combustible items can save your home and family time and money.

#5: Open Flames

Home amenities like fireplaces, sweet smelling candles, and outdoor bonfires are enjoyable when controlled, but can quickly turn disastrous if left unattended. 

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and knowledgeable about where fires are most common. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas wishes you a safe, fire-free summer!

Risk of Fires Increase During Summer Months

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to restore your home from fire damage

Summer months can mean trips to the beach or increased time spent with friends and family. With the Fourth of July next month, many groups will join together and watch fireworks, a favorite pastime when celebrating Independence Day. While fireworks are beautiful in color, they can also be very dangerous, and can result in burns and other injuries. Sparklers can burn up to 2,000 degrees, and are responsible for starting approximately 18,000 fires each year. 

To avoid firework related injuries, we suggest never lighting fireworks indoors, never pointing fireworks at another person, and also keeping a bucket of water close by in order to extinguish them in case something goes awry. 

Camping is also a favorite pastime during the summer months. While roasting marshmallows is a family treat, one must be responsible and extinguish their campfire properly after usage. Keep in mind that if the remains of your fire are too warm to touch, they are not okay to leave.

Since SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is an Emergency Response Services Provider we are alway open and ready to support our community when needed.  Unfortunately fires in this season are too common and we see the damage they can cause first hand. 

Always check if you are inside a Fire Hazard Severity Zone before building a campfire or lighting fireworks. Have fun and be safe!

What to do and what NOT to do until help arrives after fire damage.

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas, team of trained technicians are unloading the trucks to start the fire restoration process at a fire damaged home.

Fire & Smoke Damage:

DO

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Blow or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your local SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture with out first consulting your local SERVPRO professional.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV, sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire,heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke order.

Fire and Soot Damage

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damaged home with soot all over the walls and doors

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspdamage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

How to Make Sure to Have a Fun & Safe Fourth of July

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Aftermath of a residential fire.

It's that time of year again...the summer is heating up and Americans have the privilege to celebrate our independence! The Fourth of July is known for barbecues, hot dogs, and yep... fireworks!  All throughout California, on the night of July 4th, loud "BOOMS!" echo around the state. However, due to the large amount of wildfires that have occurred in the past year, fireworks have become a controversial topic.

Whether you choose to watch fireworks at your local high school, light them off in your neighborhood, or stay inside for the evening, it is important to know a few things about safety when being around fireworks. Here are three easy tips to remember this Fourth of July! 

1. Try leaving the fireworks to the professionals this year

- We know that the block party will love to light off a few legal fireworks, but due to the dryness in California, it may be a good idea to enjoy them at a public venue. 

2. Watch out for the sparklers

-These sparkling sticks of fun are a classic and July 4th must have. But be careful where you light them. Do not light indoors, on grass, or around brush. Instead, light these up on concrete floor or on the beach! Remember, no matter how tempting, DO NOT CHASE ANYBODY AROUND WITH SPARKLERS. 

3. Lookout for baggy clothes

-A little fire safety tip is to wear clothes that are form fitting, rather than baggier clothes with lots of extra material. This extra material can catch fire without you even noticing. 

So, enjoy the Fourth of July safely! We hope these few tips will help you have a fun-filled and fire-free Fourth!

Wildfire Response in Butte County

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

A firefighter courageously battles a life-threatening wildfire .

On November 8th, 2018 in Butte County, Northern California, a fire starts in a secluded area near the Feather River. As firefighters are trying to reach the fire, it spreads to about 10 acres in half an hour. After seventeen days, on November 25th, 2018, the fire reached 100% containment. The Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,800 structures and has become the deadliest and most destructive wildfire on record in the State of California.

After the fires were contained, residents and business owners began dealing with the smoke damage. Smoke damage from wildfires can cause a wide range of issues with the property and health, as such, it is best to have this damage cleaned up as soon as possible.

If left untreated, the health risks, living and working in smoke damaged structures include potential problems with your breathing, skin, and eyes. Though the smoke is no longer present, the effects of the smoke linger in furniture, carpet, walls and ceiling of the structure. Each time that you come in contact with the smoke damaged area of your property, you risk inhaling soot and other particles that are left behind after the fire has cleared.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas responded to the fire damaged properties in Butte County with our Disaster & Recovery crews that helped residential and commercial property owners recover from the widespread smoke-damage.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a Large Loss, full-service fire, smoke, wind, water repair and restoration company. We offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners.

9 Most Common Causes of Fires

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Aftermath of fire damage at a commercial site.

#1: Cooking

House fires happen most during dinner hours—between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. That’s because people are cooking.Here's what you should remember when using the kitchen:  

• For grease fires, only use a fire extinguisher or baking soda. Do not use water! It will spread the oil/grease and make your fire worse.
• Never leave your food unattended. Fires only need 30 seconds to go from a small flame to an out-of-control blaze, so even going to the bathroom could endanger your home.

#2: Heating Equipment

Almost 13% of all residential fires are caused by heating equipment. Make sure to turn off all heating equipment once you have finished using them.

# 3: Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment causes over 6% of house fires. Look for frayed wires, surge marks in wire, and damaged cords.

#4: Carelessness

Mistakes happen. For house fires, negligence causes 5.8% of blazes. Carelessness includes not putting our cigarettes, leaving candles burning, putting heating equipment near combustible items, and more.

#5: Open flame

Candles, fires in the fireplace, and outdoor bonfires are enjoyable when controlled, but disastrous when they’re not. About 4% of all house fires start from an open flame.

#6: Appliances

Appliances cause about 4% of house fires. You can decrease the chances of something malfunctioning and catching on fire by making sure it’s approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

#7: Intentional

Arson is a felony and can result in up to 20 years. But, people still do it. Out of all house fires, 4.2% are intentionally set.

#8: Smoking

About 2% of fires are caused by cigarettes. Just put your cigarettes out.

#9: Natural

Nature happens. Which means wildfires and those caused by lightning are unavoidable. Don’t worry though! Natural causes only account for 1.6% of all house fires.

Remember, house fires claim a life every 7 seconds. To protect yourself, home, and business, be aware of where fires are most common.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas wishes a safe, fire-free summer! 

Arguably the Biggest Wildfire in California History

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

This year in late 2018 we have experienced one of the most devastating wildfires in LA history.

Destroying over 96,949 acres in the Malibu area and 1,500 homes from the beaches to the valley. 

Malibu issued a city wide evacuation at 10:00am! The fire was spreading very quickly through the Malibu Mountains, as well as residential neighborhoods of Malibu West, Point Dume, Zuma Canyon, and Malibu Lake.

Ventura county that same week had a shooting at a local bar, people lost their lives and barley 72 hours later people are losing their homes from this wildfire. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas & Irwindale/ Baldwin Park was called to help out many families that were affected by this natural disaster.

You never know when a disaster is going to hit, so we hope that you call SERVPRO JOE at SERVPRO Glendora / San Dimas to help you recover. The faster you call, the faster we can be on site.

Fire Restoration Process

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

The first thing you want to look for when contacting a fire restoration company is if they offer emergency services so that they are able to come out very quickly when initially contacted to provide immediate relief to the property.

It really is the job of the emergency services and fire department to put out the fire, but you will still need a restoration company to prevent the damage from spreading throughout your property.

The next step in the fire restoration process is assessing the fire, smoke and soot that has traveled throughout the building as well as checking walls and furniture.

This step is important because only by assessing the extent of the damage can the restoration company come up with a plan to execute upon and give you a quote for how much it should cost and an estimate of how long it should take.

When the restoration project first begins, the main priority will always be to prevent damage from getting worse. Also, for SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas we prioritize restoring rather than replacing and this can significantly reduce of the overall cost. 

Sometimes fire damage restoration and water damage restoration go hand in hand. For instance if a building has a fire that causes a pipe to burst or a water tank burst then the restoration company will work first to stop the damage from spreading.

After a fire you will notice your property looks dark, stained and charred. First the restoration company will clean up all this damage and get your property looking as normal as possible. Also, during the restoration process, companies will make sure to remove any odors that are from the smoke & fire.

This next stage is where companies begin restoring furniture and repairing the damage cause by the fire. The goal of this step is to get your property looking as good as possible.

Arguably the Biggest Wildfire in History

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

This year in late 2018 we have experienced one of the most devastating wildfires in LA history.

Destroying over 96,949 acres in the Malibu area and 1,500 homes from the beaches to the valley. 

Malibu issued a city wide evacuation at 10:00am! The fire was spreading very quickly through the Malibu Mountains, as well as residential neighborhoods of Malibu West, Point Dume, Zuma Canyon, and Malibu Lake.

Ventura county that same week had a shooting at a local bar, people lost their lives and barley 72 hours later people are losing their homes from this wildfire. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas & Irwindale/ Baldwin Park was called to help out many families that were affected by this natural disaster.

Keep Your San Dimas Home Safe This Halloween

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Glowing Jack-O-Lanterns, paper ghosts, and plastic spiders are all signs that Halloween is near! Unfortunately, these spooky symbols also can present lurking fire risks that have the potential to become truly scary. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Halloween decorations are the cause of over 1,000 homes fires each year. Before you start adorning your San Dimas home with spooky Halloween decorations, learn five quick ways to ensure your Halloween holiday is safe, festive, and fun!

The majority of these fires are easily preventable. By following some simple safety precautions, you can ensure the holiday remains festive and fun.

• Keep decorations far away from open flames and other heat sources like lightbulbs and heaters. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o'-lanterns.
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are safer for trick-or-treaters whose costumes may brush up against the lighting as they walk to from your door.
• Choose costumes that don't require long-trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can clearly see where they are walking to prevent trips or falls near dangerous or flammable items.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o'-lanterns with candles inside. Provide them with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting as part of their costume.

Recovering from the Carr Fire

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

In 2018, fires have charred about 7,200 square miles across the USA, which is about 1,400 square miles above average, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Although it could be weeks or months away, the deadly Carr Fire and other horrific wildfires in California and across the western USA will eventually be doused.

But how long will it be before things return to "normal"?

For some folks, it could be years, or perhaps never: "In the communities where these large fires hit, there can be a decades-long impact," said Merritt Turetsky, an ecosystem ecologist at the University of Guelph in Canada. 

Fires can leave entire neighborhoods ruined. Turetsky related a story from years ago of people who moved back to a neighborhood into the only home a wildfire spared – then realized they were alone in a blackened and charred landscape, one that might never be rebuilt.

Nationally, only 25 percent of burned homes were rebuilt within five years, according to a study in 2015 in the "International Journal of Wildland Fire."

Big fires can decimate the environment. When man-made materials from houses, cars or other buildings burn, they can release toxins into the soil, rivers or streams, Turetsky said. They're also released into the air we breathe.

Overall, "the aftereffects of a wildfire on watershed can be drastic," according to Cal Fire. "Rates of erosion and runoff can increase to dangerous levels following wildfires in California. Normally trees, shrubs, grass and other protective ground cover help prevent soil detachment and allow rainfall to infiltrate into the soil."

Thus, landslides and mudslides can bring further misery to fire-scarred areas when winter rains come. This winter, an El Niño is likely, the Climate Prediction Center said, which generally means additional rainfall for California.

If you or someone you know are experiencing smoke damage from fires, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help. Our services cover fire and smoke restoration. 

To everyone impacted by the wildfires in California, we are truly sorry for your loss and offer our services to you.

To read more please visit: 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/07/30/carr-fire-what-happens-when-blazes-doused/865806002/

Fire, Fireworks, and the Fourth of July!

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

It's that time of year again...the summer is heating up and Americans have the privilege to celebrate our independence! The Fourth of July is known for barbecues, hot dogs, and yep... fireworks!  All throughout California, on the night of July 4th, loud "BOOMS!" echo around the state. However, due to the large amount of wildfires that have occurred in the past year, fireworks have become a controversial topic.

Whether you choose to watch fireworks at your local high school, light them off in your neighborhood, or stay inside for the evening, it is important to know a few things about safety when around fireworks. Here are three easy tips to remember this Fourth of July! 

1. Try leaving the fireworks to the professionals this year

- I know that your block party will love to light off a few legal fireworks, but due to the dryness in California, it may be a good idea to enjoy them at a public venue. 

2. Watch out for the sparklers 

-These sparkling sticks of fun are a classic and July 4th must have. But be careful where you light them. Do not light indoors, on grass, or around bush. Instead, light these up on concrete floor or on the beach! Remember, no matter how tempting, DO NOT CHASE YOUR FRIENDS AROUND WITH SPARKLERS. 

3. Lookout for baggy clothes 

-A little fire safety tip is to wear clothes that are form fitting, rather than baggier clothes with lots of extra material. This extra material can catch fire without you even noticing. 

So, enjoy the Fourth of July safely! We hope these few tips will help you have a fun-filled and fire-free Fourth! 

Avoiding Dryer Fires in your Glendora Home

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

The fear of a dryer fire is one that is not commonly heard of, however, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires. Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year. In some cases faulty appliances are to blame, but many fires can be prevented with proper dryer venting.

Here are some small steps to take to Avoid a Dryer Fire:

1. Dryer's produce large amounts of lint. Be sure to clean the lint trap after EVERY use of the dryer.

2. Dryer Vents should ONLY be made of metal and be short and straight. Bends and curves result in lint buildup increasing the risk of a fire. 

3. Do not run the dryer when you are away from home or sleeping. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is faster to any size disaster!!

626.852.9922

Large Loss Response

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

In the late Fall of 2017, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties experienced serious wildfire conditions.  

The Thomas Fire started before dawn on December 4, 2017. The fire ignited on the south-facing hillslopes along State Route 150 above Santa Paula.  Before it was contained, one thousand sixty-three structures were destroyed in both counties, and 280 additional structures received fire damage. The Thomas Fire is the largest fire in modern California history.

After the fires were contained, residents and business owners began dealing with the smoke damage. Smoke damage from wild fires can cause a wide range of issues with the property and health, as such, it is best to have this damage cleaned up as soon as possible by professionals.

If left untreated, the health risks living and working in smoke damaged structures include potential problems with your breathing, skin, and eyes. Though the smoke is no longer present, the effects of the smoke linger in furniture, carpet, walls and ceiling of the structure. Each time that you come in contact with the smoke damaged area of your property, you risk inhaling soot and other particles that are left behind after the fire has cleared.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas responded to the fire damaged properties in Ventura and Santa Barbara with crews that helped residential and commercial property owners recover from the widespread smoke-damage.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a Large Loss, full-service fire, smoke, wind, and water repair and restoration company. We offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners.

Wildfires Spread Across Southern California

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

On Tuesday, flames swept inside the city limits of Ventura burning homes and palm trees as it approached the downtown area. This fire, known as the Thomas Fire, tore across 65,000 acres by Wednesday morning, and the blaze destroyed hundreds of homes, threatened 12,000 structures and forced 27,000 people to evacuate. The burn zone is twice as large an area as Manhattan, and about the size of Seattle. Emergency responders hurried to evacuate residents, protect homes and shut down roads across the region, even as authorities warned that the biggest fire was “still out of control” early Wednesday.

Meanwhile, other major wildfires sprung up further inland. In the San Fernando Valley an 11,000-acre fire forced the evacuation of at least 2,500 homes. Another fire near Santa Clarita forced the closure of Interstate 5, California’s main north-south highway. Late Tuesday, another fire broke out in San Bernardino, near the California State University, San Bernardino campus, forcing more evacuations.

The wildfires are being fed by unusually strong Santa Ana winds, blowing in from the dry desert to the east. Wind gusts from 50 mph- 70 mph are expected through Thursday. A smoke advisory was issued for the Los Angeles area urging residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.

If your home or business suffers from smoke or soot damage due to the wildfires sweeping across Southern California, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas for all of your fire restoration needs. As a Certified Large Loss Response Team Franchise, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has access to Semi-truck Trailers of emergency equipment and hundreds of experienced personnel to assist any communities affected by wildfires in a moment’s notice.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/12/06/ferocious-wildfires-burn-across-southern-california-destroying-homes-and-forcing-thousands-to-evacuate/?utm_term=.d072bad5bb97

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/wind-fueled-southern-california-wildfires-spread-likely-to-worsen-2017-12-05

The Santa Ana Winds

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

As Southern California residents, we know that the autumn season brings pumpkin spice lattés, trendy cardigans, and the Santa Ana winds.

The Santa Ana winds are strong down slope winds that blow through the mountain passes in southern California. The three ingredients for the perfect Santa Ana wind are high winds, dry trees and bushes, and low humidity. These three things together create “critical fire weather” conditions for most of Southern California. Critical areas include the San Bernardino Mountains, the Inland Empire below Cajon Pass, the Santa Ana mountains, and the Foothills.  

Santa Ana winds can reach wind speeds anywhere between 30 mph and 75mph, with some winds reaching 115 mph at times. These high speed winds can send trees and power lines toppling making driving conditions treacherous, especially for high profile vehicles. Fires can also be quickly spread with these winds and could cause great damage.

In the event that the Santa Ana winds cause damage to your home or business, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park for all of your restoration needs.

Regency Inn, Baldwin Park Fire

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

Across the U.S, fire departments respond to approximately 3,500 structure fires in hotels and motels each year which result in over $84 million in direct property damage.

The Regency Inn hotel located in Baldwin Park, California added to this statistic earlier this year. The cause of the fire was unknown but one unit on the third floor was completely charred. The Los Angeles County Fire Department was quick on the scene and contained the fire to one room to prevent anyone from being seriously injured. However, 18 units suffered extensive smoke damage.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/ Baldwin Park was called to aid in the restoration of the hotel.  As a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) Franchise, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park has access to Semi-truck Trailers of emergency equipment and hundreds of experienced personnel along with subject matter experts in specialties associated with large loss events. The restoration that SERVPRO will be performing will be asbestos abatement, smoke clean-up, and smoke and fire remediation.

No water or fire restoration project is too large or too small for the Team at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park. 

Fourth of July and Fireworks

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

As the Seasons change in Southern California those special holidays that mark the calendar become a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate.

One of those Holidays which occurs in early Summer is our National Independence Day, the Fourth of July.   Frequently, people enjoy this special occasion by having BBQ’s, viewing sponsored fireworks shows, and sometimes, participating by lighting off fireworks they have purchased for the occasion. 

In some areas of our Country, fireworks are approved for sale by Local and State Agencies who control their use.   For instance, in Southern California, many locations allow the sale and use of fireworks.  However, other areas in Southern California strictly prohibit the use of fireworks due to local high-fire-danger.  Too often, the purchase of fireworks from approved, and illegal sources presents a problem for Law Enforcement and Fire Departments.   The most common concerns result from fireworks that are used in High-Fire-Risk designated areas and the use of illegal fireworks which are much more likely to start fires.  Misused and illegal fireworks cause significant damage to property and injury to people annually.   

Every year SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas and Irwindale/Baldwin Park gets called to support recovery of fire damaged property.  Occasionally, those fires are a result of fireworks that were not approved and were being used in an unsafe manner.   The problem is not unique to Southern California, but with the very high density of people living in the Los Angeles Basin, the patchwork of communities in LA that approve or prohibit the use of fireworks, and the ready access to very high volumes of unapproved fireworks every year, the probability of property damage and personal injury is high.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park will always be available to support those residences and businesses that may be affected by fires caused by misuse of fireworks, or from any other cause. 

Also, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) Franchise which means when it comes to Fire Restoration there is no job too big or too small for our expert services.

Summer Fires in the LA Basin

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Southern California goes through a predictable Winter-Rain and Summer-Fire cycle every year.

Fire Storms in Southern California devastate millions in private and public property annually.  SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park can help recover when restoration is an option. 

The Fall and Winter Rains combined with mild temperatures provide a great growing season for plants, and, the arid climate and Summer heat then quickly dries out the ground cover making it perfect fuel for fires in the foothills.

During fire season, fires burn off the ground cover and the soil loses the stabilizing plant roots.  The soil is then easily washed away as mud during the following Winter-runoff. 

K-rails, sand bags, and other barriers are set up in strategic locations along the foothills to the LA Basin to block the flow of mud that can threatened areas below the burn areas.

The Helicopter in the picture is spreading red fire retardant (Foscheck) over a burn site in the Southern California foothills during the 2016 Fire Season.  Fire retardants work three ways: removing heat, coating the surface (so the fuel can't find oxygen), or by diluting the air (oxygen) near the fire.  

The men and women who specialize as Pilots flying these Fire Bombers are already out there doing their job again in June, 2017

As a "Large Loss" Franchise SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park have the resources to help whole communities with Emergency Services when Southern California needs help digging out. 

Burbank Residential Fire

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas immediately responded to a residential structure fire in Burbank, CA.

AAA Insurance contacted SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas direct in the late hours of November 2016. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a 24 hour emergency services company and was able to respond immediately. A fire from an unknown source burned several voids into the roof structure and elevations. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas arrived on site to find Los Angeles County Fire Department – LAFD - still on site. The embers were still a concern to LAFD so access was not allowed. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas returned the following day to secure the structure with roof tarps and a board up once the site was safe from re-ignition. It is important to secure a property after fire damage to prevent the possibility from re-ignition. The Burbank property is now safe, secure and inaccessible until the reconstruction process takes place.

Industrial Fire Loss in Santa Fe Springs August 2016

10/11/2016 (Permalink)

Piles of burnt materials, equipment and supplies in the storage yard before SERVPRO arrived.

On August 11^th, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas was contacted regarding a fire damaged and smoke damaged business in an industrial building located in Santa Fe Springs.    The structure is an 18,000 sq. ft. masonry building and the owner was notified of a fire in the storage yard on the South side of the structure. 

There were people working inside the facility at the time and loading dock doors were rolled up which allowed smoke to enter the facility causing damaging contamination of contents and structure.  SERVPRO Franchise owner Joe McCann was on the site early on August 11^th to survey the damage and begin the process of returning this business back to its pre-fire condition.  

Immediately, dozens of “Air Movers” and “Air Scrubbers” with HEPA Filters were set up inside the building to remove airborne particles and smells so normal operations could resume in parallel with the bigger job of cleaning and restoring the fire damaged and smoke damaged facility.   Piles of burned materials, equipment, and supplies in the storage yard were removed to clear the way for SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas recovery vehicles to bring in the needed supplies and equipment to begin the clean-up process.  An industrial Hygienist was brought in to take samples of the air quality and surface contamination caused from the smoke to determine the type and extent of cleaning required to return the facility to a safe working environment.

Man-lifts were brought in to give clean-up Technicians access to the ceiling, walls, and upper shelves of inventory that needed to be wiped down to remove the acidic contamination caused by the smoke that entered the building.    

This business was potentially going to experience severe financial losses if they had to shut down operations during the clean-up and the owner asked if SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas could do the clean-up while allowing the business to continue operating.  Though challenging, a plan was agreed to that would allow both the SERVPRO clean-up and the business to continue operations in parallel with minimal impact to either party.

Initial Clean-up was completed on August 26^th returning the business to full operational status.  Reconstruction was on track and would cause minimal disruption to the business until completed.

This project is a great example of a “Fire Loss” where a business could possibly be seriously handicapped or even shut down from fire damages and smoke damages.   However, teaming with SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas, a solution was reached allowing the Santa Fe Springs business to continue while assuring a safe working environment to employees, customers, and SERVPRO Technicians minimizing the costs to all parties involved.

Glendora Residential Fire

8/9/2016 (Permalink)

It all started at approximately 11:00pm on Monday night, July 25^th.  Returning home after an evening out, Jason and his family entered their house in Glendora ready to call it a night.   That’s when their 9 year old daughter happened to notice an unusual discolored spot on the ceiling about 15 feet from the front door.

They were all about to find out how important this little girl’s casual observation would be.

Upon examining the ceiling, Jason reached up and discovered there was heat coming from the ceiling where the spot was.  Climbing a ladder to get to the attic access opening, Jason discovered a fire was burning above the ceiling.  He immediately dialed 911.  Within minutes, the Glendora Police and the Fire Department arrived on scene.  Preparations were being made to penetrate the roof while Fire Fighters inside the home removed the ceiling where the flames were burning. 

Because of the quick observation of the resident and the immediate action of the first responders, the roof did not have to be penetrated avoiding extensive structural damage to the property.   As the fire hadn’t spread, only a minimal amount of water was induced to suppress the fire.  Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Once the property was stabilized, the fire investigator was on site to determine the source of the fire.  It appears there was an electrical short that damaged a flexible gas line allowing gas to leak from the line and ignite.

Attic fires are not that unusual.  However, in this case the chance observation of the discolored spot on the ceiling by Jason’s 9 year old daughter was indeed fortunate.  If it wasn’t for her noticing this when they first arrived home, the trouble brewing in the attic could have been a much bigger problem for their home and their safety.

In our next article, SERVPRO will share how this damaged home was restored back to its pre-fire condition, using specialized processes and products to restore belongings and eliminate the smoke damage and smell that comes with residential fires.