The short answer
First Steps After a Fire
After a house fire, your safety comes first. Wait for the fire department to say the structure is safe to enter. Once you have permission, put on gloves, a dust mask, and long sleeves to protect your skin from soot and ash. These particles can be irritating, and you may breathe them in if you are not careful.
When you enter the room where photos were kept, move slowly. Do not touch anything more than you need to, as disturbed soot can settle onto surfaces and make the photos harder to clean. If the photos are wet, the risk of mold increases, so you will want to act quickly to dry them.
Handling Wet Photos
If your photos are wet, do not pull them apart while they are soaked. The emulsion, which holds the image, can easily stick to another photo or to your fingers. Instead, place the entire stack in a container filled with clean, cool water. This keeps them from drying stuck together until you can separate them.
For individual wet prints, lay them flat on a clean, dry surface like a table or a piece of cardboard. Use a fan to circulate air, but never point it directly at the photos, as that can cause curling. Do not use heat, such as a hairdryer, because it can melt the emulsion.
- Wear gloves and a dust mask
- Keep wet photos in cool water
- Dry prints flat on a clean surface
- Separate photos with wax paper
- Avoid direct heat and sunlight
- Handle photos by the edges only
Cleaning Soot and Smoke Damage
Dry photos with light soot can often be cleaned with a soft brush, like a makeup brush or a soft paintbrush. Brush gently from the center outward to remove loose particles. Do not use water or cleaning solutions on dry photos, as that can smear the soot and cause permanent stains.
For heavily smoke-damaged photos, you may need to consult a professional conservator who specializes in fire-damaged materials. They have the tools and knowledge to carefully remove soot without harming the image. This is especially important for old or irreplaceable photos, where any mistake could be permanent.
Scanning and Digital Backup
Once your photos are dry and stable, scan them as soon as possible. This creates a digital copy that is protected from future damage. Use a flatbed scanner at a high resolution, at least 300 dots per inch, to capture the details. Store the digital files on a cloud service or an external hard drive.
If the photos are too damaged to scan flat, consider photographing them with a camera. Place the photo on a flat surface with even lighting, and take a picture from directly above. Even if the original is beyond saving, a digital copy preserves the memory.
When to Call a Professional
Some photos are simply too damaged for you to handle safely. If the photos are burned, melted, or stuck together in a block, do not try to force them apart. A professional conservator can use specialized techniques to separate and restore them. They may also be able to help with photos that have been exposed to extreme heat.
If you have a large collection of photos, or if they hold significant sentimental value, it is worth the effort to seek expert help. You can find conservators through local museums or historical societies. They can give you advice on the right way to proceed, and they may be able to work on-site or at their own facility.
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (425) 407-5186Frequently asked questions
Can I save photos that are burned?
Burned photos may be salvageable if the image area is intact. Handle them extremely gently, as the edges may be charred and fragile. Place them in a sturdy box and consult a professional conservator. They can often stabilize the photo and possibly digitize the image.
Should I dry photos in the sun?
No, avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause colors to fade and the paper to warp. Instead, dry them in a cool, shaded area with good air circulation. Use a fan on low, but do not point it directly at the photos. This slow drying helps prevent sticking and curling.
What about photos stuck together?
Do not pull them apart while wet. Soak the entire stack in cool, clean water to loosen the emulsion. Once they are separated, lay them out to dry on a flat surface. If they are already dry and stuck, seek professional help, as separating them may cause damage.