Seaside Heights NJ Boardwalk Fire Prompts Fire Restoration Expert to Call Property Owners to Action
Mount Laurel, NJ (PRWEB) September 16, 2013 -- Over thirty local businesses have been deduced to ash and soot after a six alarm blaze ravaged the beloved boardwalk at Seaside Heights, NJ on Thursday, September 12, 2013. Over 400 firefighters braved the thick, black smoke and biting flames as the popular summer tourist attraction finally met its demise after being rebuilt following Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
The fire damage continues over twenty four hours later. Amidst the still burning rubble are hidden dangers that could reignite the blaze at any time. Property owners will not be able to return to what’s left until local fire officials deem it safe to do so.
SI Restoration, a part of New Jersey’s community of fire experts, felt compelled to share their expertise on the dangers of fire damage and how to avoid life-threatening effects after a blaze. With over twenty years of experience in the fire damage restoration industry, SI Restoration has published Fire Damage Restoration Tips, a unique visual guide designed to help property owners prepare for and recover from fire damage.
Some of the most dangerous byproducts of fire are smoke damage and soot. Exposure to smoke and soot can cause severe illness, brain damage, and death. In the case of Seaside Heights’ boardwalk fire, many restaurants were involved in the blaze. Restaurants carry large quantities of cooking oil at all times. When wood, coal, or oil-based substances are burned, the carbon particles are disbursed through the air ruining everything in its wake.
While the Seaside Heights boardwalk may suffer a near-total loss, buildings in the affected area were doused with water in an effort to stop the blaze from spreading. Wind gusts between 30 and 40 miles per hour sent still-burning embers to neighboring condominiums and other buildings. Fortunately, lives are saved by brave firefighters combating the flames with water. An unfortunate result of this method of battle is that water damage is eminent.
SI Restoration reminds property owners in Fire Damage Restoration Tips that affected areas must be completely dried in order to avoid further loss. Dehumidifiers and air movers must be put into action quickly to avoid warping, saturation, and ruination of carpets, padding, drywall, insulation, furniture, and other items.
Also, mold colonies can begin to grow as soon as 48 hours after standing water has saturated a surface. Mold remediation on top of fire and water damage can be an astronomical cost. Though suffering through a traumatic event such as a fire can be taxing both mentally and physically, being proactive is the key to salvaging a property at the lowest cost possible.
David DiLoreto, SI Restoration, http://www.si-restoration.com/, +1 (856) 437-6068, [email protected]
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