Rate each area
| Area | What to check | Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Roof and gutters | Ash piles, ember marks, melted gutter sections | None / light / heavy |
| Attic | Ash on insulation, odor at the hatch, soot on rafters | None / light / heavy |
| Furnace and ducts | Dirty filter, soot at supply registers, smell when the blower runs | None / light / heavy |
| Evaporative cooler | Discolored pads, ash in the reservoir and housing | None / light / heavy |
| Windows and sills | Gray film, grit in tracks | None / light / heavy |
| Living areas | Film on hard surfaces, odor in upholstery and rugs | None / light / heavy |
| Closets and bedding | Odor in clothes, linens and mattresses | None / light / heavy |
| Kitchen | Residue on cabinets, appliances and open food | None / light / heavy |
| Garage | Ash on stored items, vehicles and the door seals | None / light / heavy |
Quick yes-or-no checks
- Does odor get stronger when the furnace or air conditioning runs?
- Did a white cloth wiped on a supply register come away gray or black?
- Were windows or doors left open during the evacuation?
- Was the evaporative cooler or a whole-house fan running when smoke arrived?
- Is there ash or a gray dusting on the insulation near the attic hatch?
- Do clothes in a closed closet smell of smoke?
- Has anyone in the house had headaches, coughing or eye irritation indoors since returning?
- Are there melted or holed screens on any exterior vents?
Reading the results
If most areas came back as none or light and the yes answers were few, a thorough household cleaning, washing fabrics and replacing filters may be all the house needs. Keep your notes in case odor returns.
If the attic, ducts or cooler came back heavy, or the odor follows the furnace blower, the residue has likely spread through the air system. That is the point to involve your insurer and ask a restoration contractor for an inspection and a written scope. Bring this completed list to that visit; it shows what you've already found and helps focus the inspection.
Common questions
- When is the best time to do this walk-through?
- Once authorities allow re-entry and before any major cleaning. Repeat the furnace and closet checks a week later, since odor sometimes becomes more noticeable after the house warms up.
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.