Attached garage fire, ugh

[Poe34]

Hey guys, I am going to start a thread on my attached garage fire. I had a massive amount of tools and renovation materials inside, as I have been renovating my house and storing materials in the garage. I would love any insight people may have that have experience with this, and I will share my experiences in hopes of helping anyone else going through this nightmare. I am fortunate to be alive, smoke detector did not go off and my bedroom is the window you see on the second floor. I woke up to my portable AC unit making a scary electrical noise, and noticed the orange glow out the window. Ran down and attempted to extinguish it with a large extinguisher, but it was already too involved. Ran back in to find my phone in the dark, power had gone out, and called 911. I moved my Tacoma from the front of the garage, taillights are melted, and debated on the Tundra, the power line was lying across the windshield. I chose to risk it and jumped in, as I began to back up, the line was stuck on the mirrors and giving resistance, I had no choice at that point to just go for it. As the end of the line touched the fender, it arced, then twice on the hood, some scary stuff! I backed up to the middle of the front yard where I took the pic, dragging the power line with me to the middle of the driveway, killing the power on the nearby houses (I could hear their generators kick on). I called 911 at 2:12am, police were there in about a minute, and we stood in my front yard watching it burn until the fire department arrived. It was tough for all of us standing there helpless, just watching it burn, ugh.
-Dianna

 

[JuncleJohn]

Wow I’ve never been through anything like that. So sorry to hear.

John

 

[Poe34]

They were able to stop the fire from entering the house, but did a lot of damage chopping the walls open on both the first and second floor. I had some metal panels on that front corner of the garage, I think that did a lot to save the house. I had Unlock pavers stacked up there for my back patio project, they are trash from the heat. There was a fence there, and behind that sat my large 96 gallon trash can, they determined that to be the source.

 

[Poe34]

They left the door that leads from the house to the garage open after the fire, I didn't discover that until the next day when I went back. Fire department left at around 4:30AM and I sat in my truck in the driveway and watched the roof smoke and an orange glow emerge twice. I thought I was going to have it reignite, so I stayed up in disbelief, just watching.

 

[PCustoms]

Fire department left at around 4:30AM and I sat in my truck in the driveway and watched the roof smoke and an orange glow emerge twice. I thought I was going to have it reignite, so I stayed up in disbelief, just watching.

Was this last night?

If it was still glowing after they left, and it just happened, call back ASAP and have them donate thermal.

And damn, sorry to see this

 

[Poe34]

Lots of smoke damage inside, and every drawer of my tool boxes (5 of them) were filled with black soup because the drawer liners prevented them from draining. The fire happened on 6/5 just after 2am and I wasn't allowed to touch anything until the inspector finished his investigation yesterday. I went in right away and at least tried to rescue my socket drawer and wrench drawer. I put them in a bin and took them to where I am staying. I am going to head out in a bit and put them in a bucket of diesel (unless someone else has suggestions). I have well water, no power = no water. The garage is going to be a complete tear down. I have always wanted a third bay, the meter on the side of the garage was a huge cost deterrent, now that is not a factor. I hope to add some funds to build back "bigger and better." I have a TON of clothes and shoes. I'm wondering if I should attempt to clean clothes myself, let a company take them or just toss them. The more I am reading about how toxic the smoke is, I wonder if I should try to salvage tools that have plastic/rubber handles. The third pic is after I tossed the socket drawer in a bin, you can see how quick the rust is forming.

 

[Shiftless]

So sorry to hear about that horrible fire.
I hope that you have good insurance for all of that. We can all learn from this. Thanks for posting.

 

[Poe34]

This is the first time I have had to navigate anything like this, so I am hoping the GJ community can help, and I am happy to create the thread to help anyone unfortunate to have to go through this in the future.

 

[Shiftless]

Your fire is making me think about getting interconnected smoke alarms. I have battery powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all bedrooms and hallways but if a fire starts at the far end, a bedroom smoke detector won’t react until it’s too late.

 

[DGersic]

Wow, that *****.

I had a small fire earlier this year, that was enough for me.

I see no reason not to try to sabe some of your stuff. Take the clothes to a laundromat and run them through. If they don’t smell when you take them out, they should be fine.

Tools, I don’t know what a bucket of diesel will do, but won’t hurt. I’d get a couple gallon jugs of WD40 for de-watering them. If they’re not heat damaged, they’re probably ok.

Power tools, dunk in alcohol to remove any water.

 

[Adaylate]

I think you just helped me. I was planning on storing my trash cans next to the shop. I think I'll make an entire closure further away.

Best wishes on your dealings with the insurance company.

 

[PCustoms]

@Poe34 what was the cause?

 

[NUTTSGT]

96 gallon trash can as the source... someone in the house smoke or did you dump renovation chemicals in the trash like BLO ? Possibly clean out the fire pit/grill/smoker ashes ?

 

[Poe34]

I am not saying this was the cause on a public forum, but PLEASE make sure you don't put any solvent soaked rags in your trash.

 

[Shiftless]

96 gallon trash can as the source... someone in the house smoke or did you dump renovation chemicals in the trash like BLO ? Possibly clean out the fire pit/grill/smoker ashes ?

This is an extremely important question. But if there are legal reasons not to reply in a public forum, I understand,

 

[NUTTSGT]

This is an extremely important question. But if there are legal reasons not to reply in a public forum, I understand,

Usually not a problem...it's considered an unintentional fire. Insurance companies deal with it all the time and pay out for it.

However, if you have had multiple claims, delinquent on certain payments, it can be a red flag. The OP at home sleeping and could have lost their life usually makes this type of fire a non-issue.

 

[Poe34]

Wow, that *****.

I had a small fire earlier this year, that was enough for me.

I see no reason not to try to sabe some of your stuff. Take the clothes to a laundromat and run them through. If they don’t smell when you take them out, they should be fine.

Tools, I don’t know what a bucket of diesel will do, but won’t hurt. I’d get a couple gallon jugs of WD40 for de-watering them. If they’re not heat damaged, they’re probably ok.

Power tools, dunk in alcohol to remove any water.

I am staying where I have access to a washer and dryer. I let the first load soak in baking soda and it came out smoke free. Now that my clothes have sat even longer, the next two loads I washed still stink.

I read online about the diesel soak:
Soaking metal hand tools in diesel after a fire is a highly effective, time-tested mechanic and tradesman method. It breaks down thick soot and grease, neutralizes the acids in smoke, and stops fire-damaged metal from instantly flash-rusting. [1, 2]

I probably have more than 50 power tools, I have never heard of the alcohol trick, interesting. I think those might be best left to the landfill, as I sure don't want to start another fire with a faulty power tool.

 

[Shiftless]

In case some readers here don’t know, NUTTSGT is a professional firefighter and investigator.

 

[four.cycle]

I don't even put paper towels I've used with Gumout, Brake Cleaner, BLO, paint thinner or any other chemical into the trash can.
They're tossed on a strip of crushed gravel 8 feet off the corner of the house. I just leave them there on the ground until trash day, then pick them up, put them in the can, and roll it out to the curb, by which time usually the stuff has dried or evaporated.
"Oily rags" was something they warned us about in kindergarten - like "look both ways before crossing".

 

[Shiftless]

I probably have more than 50 power tools

Wow… even for GJ standards, 50 is a lot. So sad you have lost so much. Don’t toss any evidence before you get input from your insurance. Photograph or video everything.

 

[Shiftless]

I don't even put paper towels I've used with Gumout, Brake Cleaner, BLO, paint thinner or any other chemical into the trash can.
They're tossed on a strip of crushed gravel 8 feet off the corner of the house. I just leave them there on the ground until trash day, then pick them up, put them in the can, and roll it out to the curb.

This is the best advice. I spread out oil soaked rags on bare dirt at least overnight before tossing in the plastic city provided garbage can.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Wow. I’m sorry to read this! But I’m glad you’re still able to share our experience.

Hope you get it all sorted and back on track! All the best!

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Higgins]

I am staying where I have access to a washer and dryer. I let the first load soak in baking soda and it came out smoke free. Now that my clothes have sat even longer, the next two loads I washed still stink.

I read online about the diesel soak:
Soaking metal hand tools in diesel after a fire is a highly effective, time-tested mechanic and tradesman method. It breaks down thick soot and grease, neutralizes the acids in smoke, and stops fire-damaged metal from instantly flash-rusting. [1, 2]

I probably have more than 50 power tools, I have never heard of the alcohol trick, interesting. I think those might be best left to the landfill, as I sure don't want to start another fire with a faulty power tool.

Sorry to hear of your loss! I can sympathize with what your going through as we have had similar situations!

What i can recomend is purchasing a Ozone
Generator! They are a wonderful tool and can handle many situations!
Our last O.S. was a flooding basement after a lighting strike! Purchased a BIG dehumidifier and went to town. The end result was we didnt have to replace wood trim, or the DW which was huge !!

Set up the O.G. follow directions closely! Settings are based upon size of area etc! Once you set the timer - Do Not enter the area until the timer has expired!!
Also works on garages for some of that musty stuff etc..

 

[jblnut]

It pains me to read things like this. Trying to improve things at home and disaster happens. Hopefully you get made as whole as possibly by the insurance company.

I have a metal 55gal barrel I toss oily/solvent soaked rags and materials. I set the lid on it with a rock on top. A few years ago I went to do evening chores and noticed something odd by the barrel. It was smoking ever so slightly so I did what all responsible people would do. I grabbed a long stick, poked the rock off and flipped the lid off. In an instant it ignited and we had a bit of a nice little bonfire. And that’s why it’s 25’ away from any shed or combustible thing I care about.

 

[PCustoms]

I am staying where I have access to a washer and dryer. I let the first load soak in baking soda and it came out smoke free. Now that my clothes have sat even longer, the next two loads I washed still stink.

I read online about the diesel soak:
Soaking metal hand tools in diesel after a fire is a highly effective, time-tested mechanic and tradesman method. It breaks down thick soot and grease, neutralizes the acids in smoke, and stops fire-damaged metal from instantly flash-rusting. [1, 2]

I probably have more than 50 power tools, I have never heard of the alcohol trick, interesting. I think those might be best left to the landfill, as I sure don't want to start another fire with a faulty power tool.

Were your tools and belongings not covered?

I just went through and did an "inventory", with the exception of a few sentimental items it's all replaceable and covered.

 

[Poe34]

Usually not a problem...it's considered an unintentional fire. Insurance companies deal with it all the time and pay out for it.

However, if you have had multiple claims, delinquent on certain payments, it can be a red flag. The OP at home sleeping and could have lost their life usually makes this type of fire a non-issue.

My first claim ever and I have had this house with the same insurance company since 2006. The fact that there are arcing scars on my truck, and the power line was dragged so far up the driveway hopefully helped to alleviate any chance of a red flag.

 

[Poe34]

Sorry to hear of your loss! I can sympathize with what your going through as we have had similar situations!

What i can recomend is purchasing a Ozone
Generator! They are a wonderful tool and can handle many situations!
Our last O.S. was a flooding basement after a lighting strike! Purchased a BIG dehumidifier and went to town. The end result was we didnt have to replace wood trim, or the DW which was huge !!

Set up the O.G. follow directions closely! Settings are based upon size of area etc! Once you set the timer - Do Not enter the area until the timer has expired!!
Also works on garages for some of that musty stuff etc..

I don't have power and my generators were in the garage. Thank you for the response. I will look into one and perhaps borrow a generator.

 

[Poe34]

Were your tools and belongings not covered?

I just went through and did an "inventory", with the exception of a few sentimental items it's all replaceable and covered.

They are covered, but I like my stuff. If I can do some work to keep tools instead of replacing my USA stuff with "new" Chinese, then bring on the diesel fuel, lol.

 

[cvairwerks]

Don't spend a lot of time on the tools as they are already rusting from the photos you shared. Have someone on another board doing the same thing and he's months into cleaning tools in attempts to salvage them. Depends on how much you value your time.....

 

[Shiftless]

At the very least, soaking tools in diesel fuel will stop further rusting.

More than a few fellows here will take tools with a bit of surface rust and use a bench grinder with a fiber wheel to zip off the rust in a few seconds.

 

[Poe34]

Don't spend a lot of time on the tools as they are already rusting from the photos you shared. Have someone on another board doing the same thing and he's months into cleaning tools in attempts to salvage them. Depends on how much you value your time.....

Thank you for that, there isn't anything more valuable in life than time.

 

[PJorgen]

If you are having problems with your insurance company, consider engaging a Public Adjuster to work on your behalf. They do take a percentage of your payout, but they people I know who have used them believe that they came out ahead.

 

[Poe34]

If you are having problems with your insurance company, consider engaging a Public Adjuster to work on your behalf. They do take a percentage of your payout, but they people I know who have used them believe that they came out ahead.

No issues, they have been great so far! I just wanted to try to save some of my tools!

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I truly feel your pain, when I was a kid our house burnt to the ground. Very few items made it out the door. To this day I dislike candles burning in the house, my Wife thinks I’m nuts. I’ve been known to get out of bed and check to see if I forgot to dispose of rags properly. The thought of a fire just freaks me out.

 

[cvairwerks]

We use these at work in the main plant for anything oily, or has uncured adhesive on it.

Red 6 Gallon Oily Waste Can | Foot-Operated, Self-Closing Cover | 09100 | Justrite

Dispose of oil-soaked ragsPrevent fires caused by stray sparks or spontaneous combustionLid stays closed when not in useRound construction and elevated base allow circulation of air to disperse heatApproved by FM, UL/ULC, AND TUV

www.justrite.com

On the flight line we use vapor proof bags and they into a bagged rag can. Anything with oil or an alcohol base, goes into another can that is lined with a bag. FL cans get emptied daily and factory cans get emptied twice or three times a day, depending on the production location. Everything from these cans goes to a set of hazmat dumpsters located at least 50 feet from our chemical storage building. The dumpsters get hauled to a disposal site weekly.


I deal with linseed oil and various solvents and nothing goes into the trash here at home until it's completely dry and has been for a couple of days. My rag can sits about 15 feet from the garage and is on the path from there to the kitchen door.

 

[4xdog]

Holy cow. @Poe34! I’m so sorry to read about your fire. Scary, and heartbreaking.

Any solvent-containing rags at my place go outside away from any structure in a heavy old galvanized 30-gallon(ish) pail until they’re completely dry. (I spent my life in the chemical industry working in industrial labs and many of the safety practices from DuPont have made it home with me.)

A friend in my former city had a major fire at his lovely historic home when some workmen left some solvent- and wood stain-soaked rags in a corner of one of the rooms over a weekend. Waste solvents on combustible materials are a real risk.

Good luck with the tools. I’d say a light bit of rust can be easily cleaned up, but anything that’s seen high heat is probably toast.

Power tools are likely a case-by-case determination. But if your insurance covers them, I’d probably replace anything the least bit suspect.

I’d rather have arc spots on either of my Toyota trucks than having been electrocuted by fooling with a live downed wire. I’d say backing out and letting the wire do what it wanted was a smart move.

I’m sure many of us will be following your progress as you recover and rebuild!

 

[Dig Doug]

A Note to Everyone-

every few years
open every drawer cabinet & closet in every room and take a few pics to document your contents of your home garage barn shed etc

store pics on a cloud outside the home

JIC
you have a fire and have a total loss
you have documentation of what is gone


@Poe34
Sorry for your loss - That’s going to take a while to recover !
the smoke & smell is really bad and difficult to remove

 

[NUTTSGT]

I am not saying this was the cause on a public forum, but PLEASE make sure you don't put any solvent soaked rags in your trash.

That's a possibility.

Keep track of everything you do and what you spend doing it. Create an itemized list as you ma be able to submit it and recover your costs or some of them.

Try washing clothes with Simple Green and hot water, then rewashing with regular Tide.

 

[Poe34]

That's a possibility.

Keep track of everything you do and what you spend doing it. Create an itemized list as you ma be able to submit it and recover your costs or some of them.

Try washing clothes with Simple Green and hot water, then rewashing with regular Tide.

Thank you!!!

 

[Overboost44]

Very sorry to hear this. Thank you for documenting it for many to learn from it. So the AC unit that was making a strange noise wasn't the cause but was making the noise due to the electricity?