It is dangerous to sleep in a house after a fire, regardless of how small or big the fire was. The main source of danger during fire outbreaks is smoke, and smoke is usually produced whether the fire is localized or spread to the entire house.
It is not safe to sleep in that house immediately or a few days after. There still may be some toxic gases present in the house. It is better to clean the house and remove the debris, if any, before start living in it.
The post-fire smell is from VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Some (but not all) are bound to particles and can be trapped by a particle filter. Those VOCs can deposit on walls and other surfaces, and will likely keep off-gassing for a long time (weeks to months).
Yes, it's dangerous to sleep in a house after a fire. Even small fires contain soot and smoke particles, which linger in the home. You should, therefore, wait until the fire department says it's safe to return to your home before sleeping there again.
Do not enter your damaged home or apartment unless the fire department says it is safe. The fire department will make sure the utility services (water, electricity and gas) are safe to use. If they are not safe, firefighters will have your utilities turned off or disconnected before they leave.
The chemicals will continue to be released into the air over the weeks following the fire, but they will reduce over time. Properly clean your home while protecting your health to reduce your exposure to particulate matter and these chemicals.
Soot and smoke damage pose significant health risks, emphasizing the importance of prompt and effective remediation. Breathing in soot particles can have adverse effects on the respiratory system, and prolonged exposure can lead to severe health complications.
The answer to the question, “is it safe to sleep in a house after a small fire?” is NO. It is dangerous to sleep in a house after a fire, regardless of how small or big the fire was.
Turning on a fan and opening the window for some fresh air can do wonders for ridding your home of the smell of burnt food. In fact, if temperatures allow, you can leave the windows open and fan going as you try the rest of our suggestions.
The truth is, replacing windows after fire damage is highly common. If the window is broken in any way and glass is present, then replacing the window is a must. Even if glass is not present, if the window frame is damaged or seals are broken, exposing the outside, the window must be replaced.
The soot particles are very small and can float in the air for several months.
In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames. Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames.
Keep closet doors open, as well as other doors you may typically keep closed. Include kitchen and bathroom cabinets, too,” she said. “If the weather cooperates, open your windows and doors to let in the fresh air. If much of the area around your home burned, the smoke smell may remain for some time.”
There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when you sleep in a room where a conventional coal or gas fire, a log burner, a cooker, or a back burner is left on overnight.
Without professional intervention, smoke particles can linger for weeks or even months, settling into fabrics, walls, and HVAC systems.
While you may assume that once the fire is out and most of the smoke has cleared, it is safe to return, that's not true. Even after the visible smoke is gone, microscopic smoke particles will remain, posing immediate and long-term health risks.
To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves. Be sure to rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.
If something catches on fire in the microwave, unplug the unit. Leave the door shut, and let the flames extinguish themselves. Once the appliance cools down, you can start cleanup. This isn't a job for ordinary house cleaning products.
Since soot is a known carcinogen, it can increase your cancer risk. For those with compromised immune systems and health sensitivities, inhaling soot particles can damage your heart and lungs, worsening chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and emphysema.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Proximity to a microwave oven is not dangerous.
While a brief exposure to soot isn't likely to cause serious health risks, consistent exposure should be taken very seriously. Soot particles are very tiny and can enter the body easily through inhalation, ingestion, or even through the skin. People with soot sensitivity may experience issues including: Asthma.
You may have a cough, shortness of breath, and pain while you heal. If you inhaled soot, you may cough up grey or black mucus.