Any advice on getting smoke from clothes? Are the carcinogens gone when you can't smell the fume like smell anymore? It's more for the kids health than mine. Do we replace their mattresses? Had a house fire and trying to see how and what to salvage.

Times may have changed but 2 house fires in the 1970;s the rule was to scrap everythingNo mopre details, I could be held resonsiblewhick is antithetis in today world. sorry,the internet does not allow me to say what is true.Quick posting.We'll see if I get any response.

My OPINION, not backed by any empirical data, is that, barring any unusual toxic items being burnt, that if you can wash the smoke smell out of them, then wearing them will be no problem. If everything that the EPA, FDA, etc said was deadly to children today was so deadly a VERY large percentage of us would be long gone. Lead paint is just one example.

If much in the way of plastics burned in the house, I'd hire a professional hazmat team to come in and check the interior for you.

When was a Captain in a California Fire Department, we always HATED responding to fires in such places as 5 & Dime stores (Woolworths was a primary example; kind of like Walmart today). Many plastics in those days created nerve gas when burned. I don't know if that is still true, probably not...but I'd get the premises checked just in case. No sense being penny wise and pound foolish. And you apparently are not, as you had the good sense to ask the queston.

Thanks for the good replies. It seems the opinions are quite varied from a bit of research. I am mostly worried about the kids items especially clothes and plush toys. The smoke was a smoldering kind so it has a strong fume smell. We are moving since the house was tagged as not habitable. A thick layer of smoke residue has covered about everything. The fire happened while we were away. We are getting a bunch of donations of clothes and toys and that is awesome but the big question is where to live. Staying at a hotel but that is just for a couple more days and then we will be at the mercy of friends and family.

I am very sorry to hear this, but at least it sounds like all the family is safe.

Damn shame!


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Stuff toy animals should get tossed. I know that is easier said than done. What has your insurance adjuster said?

If you can wash it add borax and baking soda to the detergent.
Other than that they use an ozone generator but done by professionals.

Men, there's never a good time to have a fire, but this time of the year is even worse when you have 3 young kids. I have made a donation to boomstick by paypal mostly for the kids who have lost almost everything they had. If you've had a good year or can find it in your heart to spare some cash for the family, I think it is a good deed worth doing.

BTW boomstick did not ask for anything, I offered. Equally he does not know that I am posting this but he and his family can use a hand. Contact him by PM if you can help.

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Never have understood why these things always seem to wait till this time of the year to happen.

Thank you Gatogordo. We decided to get rid of anything that could be hazardous. We were renting so now we have to find a new place. Regretfully no renters insurance but we have been getting some used clothes and toy donations. Finding temporary housing and Permanent housing is the big issue right now. The Landlord seems to want to drag his heels to get our deposit back so that is another issue. Time will tell what the future holds but I appreciate the advice and help we have been getting.

I have privately given Boom Stick's paypal address to several generous people who have requested it.

To shorten the process, I have obtained his permission to post his paypal address here if anyone would like to donate to the family.

It is: Jonathanonthewww@yahoo.com

Happy Thanksgiving to all!