There are different types of smoke damage; mainly wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke, and fuel oil smoke damages. In most fires a variety of these four types of smoke will be present.
- Wet Smoke Damage; wet smoke damaged occurs as a result of slow burning or smouldering fires that produce a low level of heat. A smouldering fire occurs when there is limited oxygen to fuel the fire (oxygen-starved fire) and it produced gas, smoke and heat, but no flame. The residue left behind type of smoke is sticky and smeary and has a strong odour.
- Dry Smoke Damage; dry smoke damage is the result of a fire that is fast burning (flames ignite and grow rapidly). These fires generate extremely high temperatures because they have enough oxygen (oxygen-rich), heat and fuel to feed them. Dry smoke residue is dry powdery and it contains small non-smearing particles.
- Protein Smoke Damage; the invisible residue of protein smoke has an extremely pungent odour. Although you can’t see protein smoke residue, it will discolour paints and varnishes on many surfaces. This type of smoke damage occurs when an animal or other protein rich substance has been burned.
- Fuel Oil Smoke Damage; fuel oil smoke comes from heat sources as an oil furnace. The smoke that is emitted puffs back, which creates a black sooty smoke residue. This type of smoke damage can ruin fabric items such as couches or carpets and can coat nearby items. The vaporised oils can be difficult remove from all surfaces.