Some damage may have been caused by the necessary fire suppression activities including breaking out windows and cutting holes in the walls and roof. When a fire burns inside a building, it creates a large mass of very hot gases and smoke. By opening the windows and roof, we "vent" the smoke and gases out of your house. This cools the fire and allows for us to put it out in less time.
You may also see openings cut on interior walls. These openings allow us to inspect inside the walls. We have to be sure that there is no fire behind your drywall or plaster. Often, people want to go back into their home immediately after a fire, even if it is just to look around. Usually, it is unsafe to do this and we must prevent you from going in. However, if in our opinion, it is safe to enter your building, we will escort you inside.
If your smoke detectors alerted you, we commend you for having these life saving devices. If your smoke detectors didn't work, please tell us.
Additional Information
Again, we are sorry that you suffered the devastation of a fire. If you have any questions, or if there is anything else we can do to help, please call us at 701-857-4740, or stop the Headquarters fire station located at 2111 10th St SW Minot.