Kitchen fires are the most common kind of house fire. Even a small one leaves a sticky protein residue on cabinets, walls and ceilings, a strong smell through the home, and often water damage from putting it out. Kitchen fire damage restoration removes all of it before repairs.
Grease and protein residue need different cleaning products than ordinary soot. Cabinets, appliances, the range hood and ductwork often need specialist cleaning or replacement.
When you need kitchen fire damage restoration
- After a grease or cooking fire
- Sticky yellow or brown film on cabinets and walls
- Smoke smell spreading to other rooms
- Damaged cabinets, counters or appliances
- Wiring near the stove that may have been damaged by heat

What the job involves
- Board up or secure the area if needed.
- Remove water from firefighting and dry the kitchen.
- Clean protein residue and soot with degreasing cleaners.
- Clean or replace cabinets, the range hood and appliances.
- Deodorize the home and seal stained surfaces before painting.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- How far smoke and residue spread
- Cabinets cleaned or replaced
- Appliance and range hood cleaning or replacement
- Electrical inspection and repairs
- Water damage from firefighting
- Deodorizing the whole home

Insurance
Kitchen fires are usually covered by homeowners insurance as a sudden event. Insurers often cover cleaning where items can be restored and replacement where they cannot. Photograph everything before cleaning, and keep damaged items until the adjuster has seen them.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Most states do not license water damage or fire restoration companies. Ask about IICRC certification, insurance and references instead.
- Electricians who repair wiring after a fire are licensed by every state Sifixit covers.
- Cabinet and kitchen rebuilds may need a licensed contractor, such as in California or Florida.
Read our guides: kitchen grease fires and how to get rid of smoke smell.

Local help for kitchen fire damage restoration
- Fire damage restoration in Dallas, TX
- Fire damage restoration in Houston, TX
- Fire damage restoration in Los Angeles, CA
- Fire damage restoration in Phoenix, AZ
- Fire damage restoration in Colorado Springs, CO
- Fire damage restoration in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Quick answers: kitchen fire damage restoration
Can a kitchen be saved after a fire?
Often. Many cabinets and surfaces can be cleaned if the fire was small and cleanup starts quickly.
Why is kitchen fire residue so hard to clean?
Burned food leaves a greasy protein residue that needs degreasing cleaners.
Does insurance cover kitchen fire damage?
Usually, as a sudden event. Check your policy and deductible.
Is fire damage restoration available 24 hours?
Calls to the number on this page are answered 24 hours a day.
Who restores kitchens after a fire?
A fire damage restoration company. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Looking for kitchen fire damage restoration? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see the National Fire Protection Association.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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