The First 24 Hours After a House Fire in Lewisville, TX
Last updated 2021-01-04
Wait for the Fire Department's All Clear
Once the flames are out, the instinct is to walk back inside right away and see what is left. Do not. The Lewisville Fire Department needs to confirm the structure is safe first, and that step matters just as much for a lakeside home near Lake Lewisville as it does for a house in Old Town. Weakened framing, damaged flooring, and unstable stairs are not always visible from a doorway, and a home in the historic core may still run on wiring old enough to stay dangerous once the fire is out. Give the fire department time to finish checking before anyone goes back inside.
Secure the Property Against Lake Weather
Once it is safe to approach, securing the home becomes the next priority. Broken windows and a damaged roof leave a house open to weather, animals, and theft while it sits empty, and homes near Lake Lewisville often face wetter, windier conditions off the water. Getting plywood over openings and a tarp across any exposed roof section keeps the weather out while a real repair plan comes together. This matters whether the home is a historic property in Old Town or a newer build out near Highland Shores, and a same day response keeps small damage from turning into a much bigger job.
Why Soot Cannot Wait Until Tomorrow
Soot is acidic and starts working on surfaces the moment it settles. Left overnight, it etches glass, pits metal, and stains walls and ceilings in ways that get harder to fix with every passing hour. Smoke behaves the same way, sinking into fabric, drywall, and the ductwork found in many Old Town homes. Lakeside properties are not immune either, since smoke moves through a house regardless of when it was built. The longer soot and smoke sit, the more of the home and its contents they damage.
Document Everything, Then Make One Call
Before cleanup starts, take photos and video of every room, every damaged item, and the outside of the house. This record helps with your insurance claim and gives a restoration crew a clear picture of what needs attention first. Once you have that documentation, one call is all it takes. From board up through water extraction, soot and smoke cleanup, and the rebuild itself, our team stays on the job as a single point of contact whether your home sits near Old Town or out along the lake. Reach us any hour, day or night, and get help moving right away.