The short answer
Why Fire Makes Food Unsafe
A house fire exposes food to extreme heat, smoke, and chemical residues. Even if food looks fine, it can absorb toxic compounds from burning materials like plastics, foam, and treated wood. These substances can cause illness if eaten.
Heat can also damage the integrity of packaging, allowing contaminants inside. Canned goods may swell, crack, or leak, which signals spoilage or bacterial growth. The safest approach is to discard any food that was in the affected area.
What About Sealed or Canned Food
Sealed jars, cans, and plastic containers are not safe just because they are closed. High heat can break down seals, and smoke particles can penetrate tiny gaps. Canned food that has been heated may develop harmful bacteria.
If a can shows any sign of swelling, rusting, or leakage, throw it away. The same applies to jars with cracked lids or compromised vacuum seals. When in doubt, do not taste the food to test it. Discard it.
- Throw away any food with visible soot or smoke damage
- Discard all perishable items like meat, dairy, and eggs
- Toss any food that was near the fire's heat source
- Remove and throw away all cardboard, paper, or cloth packaging
- Do not use water to rinse or clean contaminated food
Food in the Fridge or Freezer
Food in a refrigerator or freezer may be safe if the appliance stayed closed and the power stayed on. However, if the fire caused a power outage, the temperature may have risen. Check the temperature: if it is above 40F for more than two hours, discard perishable items.
Even if the power stayed on, smoke can seep into the appliance through vents and seals. Inspect the interior for soot or odor. If you notice any smoke smell, the food may have absorbed it and should be thrown out.
How to Clean What You Keep
If you decide to keep some unopened glass jars or cans, wash the outside with soap and water to remove soot and residue. Then disinfect the surface with a solution of one cup bleach to five gallons of water. Let them air dry before storing.
Be careful when handling any containers that were near the fire, as they may be hot or fragile. Wear gloves and protect your skin. If you are unsure about an item, it is better to discard it than to risk contamination.
When to Call for Help
After a fire, your home may have smoke damage that affects more than food. If you have concerns about air quality or surfaces, a water damage inspection can help identify hidden issues. Local water damage pros can assess the extent of soot and residue.
If you live in Sammamish, you can reach out to professionals who specialize in structural drying and dehumidification to help restore your home. These services can also address any moisture from firefighting efforts, which can lead to mold if not handled quickly.
Water damage does not wait
Call (425) 386-5713 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (425) 386-5713Frequently asked questions
Can I eat food that was in a sealed container?
Sealed containers may not be safe. Heat can break seals, and smoke can penetrate. Check for any signs of damage, swelling, or odor. If in doubt, throw it out to avoid health risks.
What should I do with food from the refrigerator?
If the power stayed on and the temperature stayed below 40F, perishable food may be safe. But if there is any smoke odor or soot inside, discard it. When power was out, throw away perishables after two hours.
Is it safe to eat food from a pantry that wasn't near the fire?
Smoke can travel throughout the house, so even distant pantry items may be contaminated. Check for soot, odor, or packaging damage. When in doubt, discard. Your health is more important than saving food.
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