What S700 is
ANSI/IICRC S700 is the consensus standard for professional fire and smoke damage restoration. It defines smoke-residue characterization (protein, wet, dry, fuel-oil), the cleaning chemistry and method appropriate for each, the contents-restoration scope, HVAC decontamination protocol, and deodorization (including ozone, hydroxyl, and thermal fogging).
Different smoke types require different cleaning approaches. Protein smoke (kitchen fires) is acidic and oily — requires alkaline-based degreasers. Wet smoke (smoldering plastics) is highly corrosive and bonds aggressively — requires specialized solvents and sometimes mechanical removal. Dry smoke (paper, wood, fast-burning) is the most forgiving — typically responds to dry-sponging and HEPA vacuuming. A scope that assumes the wrong smoke type leaves residue behind.
Key sections to cite
S700 §10 — Structural Cleaning. §10.2 covers smoke-type characterization. §10.4 covers HVAC system decontamination — frequently underscoped or omitted by carrier estimates.
S700 §11 — Contents Cleaning. Covers triage (clean / clean off-site / unsalvageable), pack-out logistics, and the documentation chain.
S700 §12 — Deodorization. Specifies when ozone or hydroxyl treatment is appropriate, and when thermal fogging is the right tool.
Common scope gaps S700 surfaces
HVAC decontamination is the single most overlooked line item — soot circulates through ductwork during and after a fire, and leaving the system untouched re-deposits residue on the cleaned structure. NADCA ACR-2013 backs the HVAC scope when the carrier contests it.
Deep-cavity deodorization (the wall framing, the subfloor, behind cabinets) is often missing. The odor lives in concealed surfaces. Surface cleaning alone leaves the smell present for months.
Where to apply S700 in a VVON audit
Upload the fire department report, smoke-residue photos, contents inventory, and carrier estimate. VVON checks the scope line by line against S700, flags missing HVAC, contents, and deodorization items, and surfaces the smoke-type characterization argument when it’s wrong.