Experiencing a house fire is one of the most devastating events a homeowner can face. Once the fire department extinguishes the flames and the immediate shock begins to settle, you confront the daunting task of figuring out what comes next. In many cases, the structural damage prevents any chance of repair, making complete demolition necessary to clear the lot and start fresh.
Demolishing a fire-damaged home differs vastly from a standard residential knockdown. In Western Australia, burnt structures pose severe safety, structural, and environmental hazards that certified professionals must manage. At Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage, we bring over 40 years of experience helping Perth homeowners safely clear their sites and move forward. Here is what you need to know about the safety protocols and first steps.
Executive Summary: What to Do After a House Fire
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Do Not Enter: Fire-damaged structures remain highly unstable and toxic. Never re-enter the home without clearance from the fire department or structural engineers.
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Secure the Site: You must erect temporary fencing immediately to protect the public and prevent liability.
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Beware of Asbestos: Older WA homes contain asbestos. When burnt, fires cause asbestos fibres to become airborne and highly dangerous, requiring specialised removal.
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Hire Licensed Experts: Only a certified demolition and asbestos removal company should handle the clean-up and site clearance safely.
1. Prioritise Safety and Secure the Site
The immediate aftermath of a fire leaves a property incredibly dangerous. Roofs may cave in, floorboards can collapse, and compromised walls can fall without warning.
You must secure the perimeter immediately. Under local WA council regulations, you bear legal responsibility for ensuring the public cannot access the hazardous site. You should install temporary fencing immediately to keep curious onlookers, children, and scavengers out. Under no circumstances should you attempt to salvage belongings from the rubble yourself; the risks of structural collapse and toxic inhalation are simply too high.
2. The Hidden Danger: Asbestos in Burnt Homes
One of the most critical reasons you cannot treat a fire-damaged demolition like a standard knockdown is the presence of hazardous materials, specifically asbestos.
Many Perth homes built before 1990 contain asbestos in their roofing, eaves, wall cladding, and insulation. During a fire, the intense heat causes these asbestos-containing materials to shatter, crack, and explode. This releases microscopic, toxic asbestos fibres into the air and ash.
Because contamination now affects the entire site, standard demolition machinery cannot simply roll in and start knocking things down. Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage employs fully licensed asbestos removalists. We utilise specialised suppression techniques (dampening), full PPE, and strict containment protocols to safely extract the hazardous ash and debris before heavy machinery begins the main demolition work.
3. Navigating Insurance and Council Approvals
Before any demolition work can commence, you must coordinate closely with your insurance provider. Your insurance assessor will need to inspect the property to officially declare it a “total loss.”
Once your insurer approves the claim, you must obtain a demolition permit from your local Perth council. Dealing with council paperwork while recovering from a fire is incredibly stressful. A reputable, experienced demolition company will typically handle the permit application process for you. Their team ensures the project meets all environmental and safety regulations, preventing unnecessary delays.
4. The Demolition and Site Clearing Process
Once the site is legally approved and the asbestos has been safely removed, the structural demolition begins.
Our skilled operators use heavy machinery to safely dismantle the remaining burnt structure, from the roof down to the concrete slab. Because a fire leaves behind a massive amount of toxic ash, charred timber, and melted metals, the clean-up process is meticulous. We remove all contaminated debris from the site, scrape the top layer of affected soil if necessary, and ensure the lot is completely levelled, clean, and safe for your future rebuilding plans.
Your Trusted Demolition Partner in Perth
Rebuilding your life after a fire starts with a clean, safe slate. You need a demolition team that understands the complexities of hazardous site clearance and treats your property with the utmost care and professionalism.
With over four decades of experience, Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage is here to help you safely navigate the demolition process. If you need urgent assistance with a fire-damaged property in WA, contact our expert team today. Call our office at (08) 9227 8222, or visit us at 281 Newcastle St, Northbridge, WA 6003.
