Restoring Hope: Walking Through a Commercial Fire Restoration at a Walla Walla Church

When a fire strikes a local church, the impact ripples through the entire community. It’s not just a building; it’s a place of gathering, worship, and comfort. Recently, CORE Restoration was called to a severe fire at a beloved church here in Walla Walla, WA.

The damage was extensive, but our mission was clear: get this congregation back into their spiritual home safely and as quickly as possible. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the fire damage restoration process, from the first walk-through to the rebuilding phase.

Phase 1: Assessing the Damage and Soot

‍Walking into a building after a fire is always a heavy moment. The initial photos show the stark reality of the event. The church’s commercial kitchen was blanketed in a thick layer of acidic soot, and the intense heat had caused ceiling tiles to collapse in the foyer. Even areas untouched by the flames were filled with thick, lingering smoke and ash. In these first crucial hours, our team's priority is securing the site and assessing the structural safety before any cleanup begins.

Phase 2: Clearing the Air and Mitigation

‍You can't begin to rebuild until the environment is safe to breathe. Smoke damage goes far beyond what you can see; it penetrates fabrics, drywall, and the HVAC system. We immediately deployed industrial-grade air scrubbers and lay-flat ducting to create negative air pressure. This critical step captures hazardous airborne particles and begins the long process of removing the deep-seated smoke odor from the sanctuary and gathering spaces.

Phase 3: The Tear-Out and Demolition

‍In fire restoration, it often has to look worse before it can look better. Because drywall and insulation absorb smoke and water (from the firefighting efforts), they must be completely removed. Our crews meticulously stripped the damaged walls and ceilings down to the bare wooden studs. Removing the compromised materials is the only way to ensure that no hidden mold or trapped smoke odors will haunt the building years down the road.

Phase 4: Sealing, Prepping, and Rebuilding

‍Once the space was gutted and fully sanitized, the true restoration began. The final photos show the turning point: the transition from disaster zone to construction site. We laid down heavy-duty floor protection, taped off the windows, and prepared the bare framing. Exposed wood is treated and sealed with specialized smoke-blocking primers to lock in any residual odors permanently. With the structure cleaned and prepped, the church is finally ready for new drywall, paint, and a fresh start.

Here for the Walla Walla Community

‍Disasters are overwhelming, but they don't have to be the end of the story. If your business, home, or community center experiences a fire, the CORE Restoration team is here 24/7 to help you navigate the chaos and rebuild.

Here when you need us most
Dealing with cleanup from recent fire damage? Call CORE Restoration for an assessment today.
Call (509) 520-0974 - Available 24/7

CORE Restoration serves homeowners and businesses throughout Walla Walla County, WA and Umatilla County, OR. IICRC Certified. WA LIC CORERR833NT | OR CCB 239415.