A late-night call. Smoke in the air. A fire at your business is one of the most disruptive and devastating events you can face. Every year, fires impact thousands of companies across Canada -causing lost revenue, damaged property, and broken routines.

Your response in those first critical hours can make all the difference.

At Paul Davis Canada, we’ve created a step-by-step roadmap to help business owners act quickly and decisively after a fire. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Protect People First

Evacuate the building immediately. Sound the fire alarm if your facility has one, and make sure all occupants get to safety.

Step 2: Call 911

Report the fire right away. If a fire extinguisher is nearby and safe to use, deploy it. If it doesn’t work or the fire spreads, exit immediately.

Step 3: Assist First Responders

Once outside, be ready to support emergency personnel:

• Share building layouts or known hazards
• Provide access to key areas
• Follow your emergency response plan if you have one
  
  

Step 4: Alert Key Personnel

Contact your insurance provider to report the incident. Then gather your leadership team to manage communication, assess business impact, and start planning your next moves.

Step 5: Partner With a Trusted Restoration Company

Your insurer may recommend firms, but it’s smart to establish a relationship in advance. A reputable restoration partner, like Paul Davis, will:

• Arrive onsite quickly (with your permission)
• Provide verified credentials and insurance
• Offer written estimates, timelines, and references
• Work directly with your insurance provider
• Never pressure you for payment or commitments
  
  

Step 6: Document the Damage

Once the fire is out and it’s safe, take photos and videos. Document everything—but only if it’s safe. Often, your restoration partner will handle this.

Step 7: Secure the Site

Board up openings and limit access to protect against theft, vandalism, and liability. This is a critical early step in fire damage mitigation.

Step 8: Prevent Further Damage

Even after a fire is out, risks remain. Moisture from firefighting, smoke residue, and humidity can lead to mould and secondary damage in 24 - 48 hours. A professional restoration team will act fast to stabilize the site.

Prepare Now to Protect Tomorrow

“Fires are never expected, but your response doesn’t have to be chaotic,” says John Gugliotta, President of Paul Davis Restoration Boston South and Rhode Island. “Start planning now—before the disaster hits.”

Call Paul Davis at 1-800-661-5975 for help creating a free emergency response plan for your business.



When things go wrong, we do what’s right