Take your time: Remember that you are working in a compromised environment. There may be limited lighting, the structure will likely be compromised, there will be broken glass and debris to navigate on the floor. The items you are handling might also be compromised and require even greater attention when moving.

Be mindful of mold: Even though you are dealing with fire damage, items were likely exposed to water, and there may also be mold in the environment.

Remember to document: Upon arrival, document the space and collection with photos and video. This will help in a variety of ways: to track items, to identify the scope of damage as well as establish a timeline in the recovery process.

Prioritize: Create an inventory and identify priority items for care. Timing is critical during the aftermath of a fire. It is important to focus on the most important items first before proceeding with the rest of the collection.

Wear gloves: A simple rule is to always wear gloves when handling items exposed to soot. The oil on your fingers can cross-link with the soot and further embed the soot into the surface of the piece.

Handle with care: It’s always best to minimize the handling of items as much as possible. Soot is acidic and abrasive. Exposure to heat can also cause further instability to a surface. The more a piece is handled, the greater the risk of further damage.

Contact a conservator: The sooner damaged items can be addressed, the better the results for treatment. The longer soot is on a surface the harder it can be to successfully remove.

There are many variables to consider when safeguarding collections and recovering items after a fire loss. While a lot of collectors do not have access to offsite storage to safely evacuate their items when a wildfire looms, these preventive steps can go a long way. These days, even a sixty-second video walkthrough of a collection can significantly help with recovery efforts in the future.

During the aftermath when local resources for response and recovery are flooded, taking the proactive measures listed above can significantly impact the successful recovery of your collection.

The most important lesson to remember is to never assume that a piece is a loss. The field of conservation offers a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology, which can yield a lot of successful options for the treatment of a piece. The sooner an item can be addressed, the better the results.