It’s 2 AM when you bolt awake to the sound of smoke alarms. The bedroom door feels hot. Minutes later, your family huddles on the sidewalk, watching flames consume the living room. Soon after, your home is a soaked, charred shell of everything you once called yours. What do you do when your sense of safety has burned to the ground?
Most Las Vegas residents don’t think about this moment—until they’re living it, wrapped in a Red Cross blanket while firefighters pack up their gear. And by then, the clock is already ticking. What you do next will shape how fast and how fully you recover from fire damage. The path forward is there—but only if you know which steps to take when everything feels lost.
10 Steps to Do After a House Fire in Las Vegas
A house on fire is scary and stressful, but what to do after a house fire is very important. These 10 steps will guide you through what to do after the fire is out. They will help you stay safe, protect your home, and start the fire disaster recovery process.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Once the fire is out, your first concern should be safety. Make sure everyone in your home, including pets, is accounted for and unharmed. Do not go back inside the house unless the fire department says it’s safe.
If anyone is hurt or had trouble breathing during the fire, seek medical help right away. Las Vegas Fire & Rescue will usually stay on the scene until it’s safe and may help connect you with emergency support like the American Red Cross for immediate help after a fire.
2. Call Emergency Services and Utility Providers
Even after the fire is over, your home may still be dangerous. Ask the fire department for a copy of the fire report, which is important for insurance claims related to house fire damage. Let the Las Vegas Metro Police know if your home will be empty, so they can keep an eye on it.
You should also contact NV Energy and Southwest Gas to shut off power and gas, if this hasn’t already been done. This helps prevent further problems like gas leaks or electrical issues after a house fire.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. Let them know what happened and begin your claim for fire damage. Most home insurance policies cover emergency living costs, so ask if they can pay for a hotel, food, or clothes while your home is being repaired.
Be sure to take notes during your call and save any claim number or contact information. Keep receipts and documents—they’ll help when your insurance provider reviews the claim.
4. Find a Safe Place to Stay
If your home is not safe to live in, you’ll need a place to stay. The American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter (702-791-3311) can help you find emergency shelter and provide essentials like clothes and toiletries.
Local churches and charities may also offer support. If you have insurance, ask if they will cover the cost of a hotel or short-term rental while your home is being repaired or rebuilt after house fire damage.
5. Document the Damage
After the fire department gives you permission to go inside, take photos or videos of all the fire damage. Create a list of the items that were destroyed or badly affected by fire, smoke, or water.
Do not throw anything away just yet—your insurance adjuster might need to see the damage in person. These photos and lists will help you get the right payment from your insurance company for house fire damage.
6. Secure the Property
To protect your home from further damage or theft, secure it as best as you can. If windows or doors are broken, cover them with boards or tarps. If your roof was damaged, use a waterproof cover.
Your insurance might cover the cost of these services, so check with them first. Also, let Las Vegas Code Enforcement know your home was damaged—they may provide help or advice for next steps.
7. Start Fire Damage Cleanup
Cleaning up after a fire can be difficult and dangerous, so it’s best to call professionals. A licensed fire damage restoration company in Las Vegas can remove water, soot, and smoke odors.
These companies are trained to safely clean up after a fire and are certified by groups like the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). They can also help prevent mold, which can start growing after your home is soaked by fire hoses or sprinklers.
8. Get Help from Local Resources
You are not alone—Las Vegas has several services to help fire victims. The American Red Cross provides shelter, food, and support. You can also call Nevada 211 by dialing 2-1-1 to find help with housing, food, or emotional support.
If you need more help, Clark County Social Services may offer assistance with transportation, temporary housing, or other basic needs, depending on your situation.
9. Start Rebuilding or Relocating
Once cleanup is complete, you can start thinking about the future. If your insurance covers repairs, work with a licensed contractor to begin rebuilding. In Las Vegas, you’ll need permits for certain repairs, so check with the City of Las Vegas Building & Safety Department.
If your home was too damaged to fix, your insurance may help you move to a new location. Stay in touch with your insurance adjuster to understand your options.
10. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Going through a fire is not just hard on your home—it’s hard on your emotions too. You may feel sad, angry, or stressed. It’s okay to ask for help. Talk to a trusted friend or consider calling a counselor.
Clark County provides mental health resources at low or no cost—call 702-455-0000 to learn more. If your children are struggling, reach out to their school or look into support groups for kids.
Brighter Days Await You
After a fire, healing isn’t just about fixing your house—it’s about taking care of your heart too. It’s normal to feel sad, shocked, and lost for months after the fire. These feelings aren’t something to hide or be ashamed of. Remember, many Las Vegas families have felt exactly what you’re feeling and found their way forward.
For help with your home’s recovery, Vegas Plumbing Pros is here for you. We’ve helped many Las Vegas families repair plumbing and water damage caused by firefighting efforts. Whether you need emergency repairs or a full plumbing upgrade while rebuilding, our team is ready to help. Contact us today—we’ll help you move forward with trusted service and peace of mind.
FAQs
What to do after being in a house on fire?
If your house catches fire, act fast to stay safe. Leave immediately without stopping for belongings. If there’s smoke, stay low to avoid inhaling it. Once you’re safely outside, call 911 or emergency services to report the fire.
What to do after a house fire?
It may not be safe to stay in your home due to smoke, water, or structural damage. Secure the property by boarding up doors and windows. Arrange temporary housing and gather essentials like food and clothing. If needed, look for a longer-term place to stay.
How to remove smoke smell after house fire?
Homeowners can use common household items to help absorb odors while cleaning. Baking soda, for example, is an affordable and natural option. Place bowls of baking soda around the house for a few days to see the best results. Activated charcoal is another effective choice for absorbing odors.
What are the dont’s after a fire?
Do not keep or consume any food or drink that has been damaged by fire or affected by smoke. Avoid refreezing food that has thawed due to a power outage. If possible, open doors to let fresh air circulate, but make sure your home remains secure.
