It seems like a stretch, but yes. Not so much the fire itself, but putting out the fire with water and certain other fire-suppression chemicals can create the moisture for mold to thrive. The fire restoration team from Central Coast Casualty Restoration (CCCR) has extensively studied the inter-relationship between fire suppression and mold. Serving San Luis Obispo County’s water, fire, and mold restoration needs since 1996, CCCR is positioned as the local expert for top-quality repairs and restoration.
The nature of mold
Mold needs three things to thrive: moisture, temperatures between 70°F and 90°F, and organic material. Mold grows from spores that are present everywhere, just looking for a place to latch onto and start feeding and spreading, which it does within 24 to 48 hours.
Water and some chemicals used for fire suppression create the moisture and contribute to the ideal temperature; building materials such as wood and drywall, and the fabric in carpets, drapes, and other organic things found in homes and businesses are food sources. Mold’s natural purpose is to break down organic materials so they can return to the earth and improve topsoil. Admittedly, that entire process takes a long time, but in the meantime, unattended mold creates a lot of serious, sometimes permanent damage.
When fire-suppression materials are mold’s friends
Water, of course, from fire hoses and fire sprinklers, soaks everything it touches and sets up environments for mold.
Other fire-suppressing chemicals that contribute to moisture include water enhancers, wetting agents, and non-PFAS foam. These chemical agents are formulated to either reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to soak into dense material, or create a gel that clings to surfaces and resists evaporation, keeping fuel moist and creating an insulating barrier, and eventually smothering the fire.
The relationship between fire and mold is one of the many reasons damage restoration needs to start as soon as possible after a fire. Fire, ash, and soot, water, and fire-suppression chemicals land everywhere, covering structural elements, furnishings, floors, walls, and drifting into hidden areas in ceilings, attics, under the building, and into walls. Water soaks into everything it touches, and wetting agents and water enhancers help it do that.
Getting control of the damage
Fire, fire suppression damage, and mold are triple the damage potential. Fire itself creates massive amounts of damage. Proven fire-suppression efforts are critical to get the fire out and prevent it from spreading and causing more damage. The key is to start mitigating the damage as soon as the building is deemed safe to enter by the authorities.
This means calling the San Luis Obispo County water, fire, and mold restoration experts immediately. Their 24/7 emergency number is (805) 466-6419, and they’ll be on the road to you. The CCCR team will also help you with your insurance claim process.
The first thing the team does is walk through the damage, taking notes, videos, and photos, and thoroughly assessing the damage. Next, they prepare a detailed report and restoration plan for your review and to submit to your insurance company. CCCR staff also submits the claim for you, monitors its progress, and negotiates the best settlement terms for you.
The team then gets to work:
- Using sensitive detection equipment to locate moisture and water wherever it exists, and identifying mold.
- Removing every trace of water, moisture, and mold with industry-level pumps and drying fans.
- Assessing the level of damage and starting structural and personal property repairs.
- Thoroughly drying, cleaning, and deodorizing everything, removing every trace of soot, ash, odors, mold, and damage, restoring your entire home or business to its pre-disaster condition.
Not all mold is caused by fire-suppression
Mold can develop from a variety of circumstances: a roof leak, a broken water pipe, a long-term undetected leak under the house, or under a sink. Undetected mold can cause a lot of damage, and some molds are more toxic than others. Many people can’t tolerate any kind of mold and exposure can lead to health problems.
The signs of mold invasion include:
- Musty smells, mold growth, or stains on walls, ceilings, floors, and cabinetry.
- Persistent mold that returns after cleaning.
- Allergic reactions, respiratory issues, headaches, brain fog, fatigue, skin irritation, digestive problems, mood swings, eye irritation, and chronic sinus issues. Symptoms may improve when away from the source, such as going home after work, or leaving the home for work or errands.
Immediate medical attention is an absolute necessity to diagnose the health issues and prevent them from worsening.
Identifying the presence of mold is critical. Reach out to the San Luis Obispo County mold restoration experts at CCCR. The quicker the mold is removed, the faster you are back on the road to feeling better.
