Forest fires: How can a home be rebuilt? Steps to restore and financial support

The youngest forest fires across the country left burned forests, destroyed houses and families that start from scratch.

The process of restoring a house after a fire is not easy: it requires structural inspection, cleaning, repairs and in many cases financial support from the insurance or the state. To a large extent, everything depends on the extent of the damage.

For those who have lost their home, the first steps are critical and must be taken carefully. We spoke to Panagiotis Evangelou, an experienced mechanical engineer who outlined the necessary measures, especially during the crucial first period after a fire, and shared useful advice.

Security and initial inspection

The top priority is security. The house can only be inhabited when a civil engineer checks his stability, since fires frequently load loading elements. At the same time, electricity, water and gas supply must be switched off immediately to avoid accidents. In some cases, the house can be explained uninhabitably.

Cleaning and removal of rubble

The next step is to remove burned objects, furniture and plaster. Cleaning soot requires special crews and biological cleaning agents, since the problem often worsens the problem. The ozone treatment can be used to remove strong smoke smells.

Technical inspection and repairs

Walls and the load -bearing structure must be checked for thermal damage, while the roof often requires partially or total exchange. Electrical and sanitary systems usually have to be redesigned from scratch, since cables and pipes are changed by heat. Windows, frames and insulation are also frequently destroyed.

Interior fittings

Then comes the renovation of interior with new plaster, anti-Mold and odorless colors, replacement of flooring, kitchen and bathroom. All of this should only happen as soon as a complete technical inspection is complete.

Damage recording and financial support

Those affected must carefully document the damage, keep photos and receipts destroyed in order to receive compensation from an insurance company or state aid. It is also essential to report the damage to the urban planning office so that an official habitability inspection can take place.

If the damage is low, the house can be saved with cleaning and basic repairs. In more serious cases, a partially or even complete reconstruction is required. In all cases, the process requires patience, proper planning and use of any available support mechanism so that the victims can safely return to their houses.

Practical guide

1. Security first

• Only enter the house when it is checked by an engineer or the fire brigade.
• Switching off electricity, water and gas.
• Use a mask and gloves – so it is poisonous.

2. Damage recording

• Take many photos and videos of all rooms and the outer.
• Keep receipts for destroyed items (if available).
• These are required for insurance claims or government support.

3 .. Contact authorities

• If insured: notify the insurance company immediately.
• If not insured: Inquire about possible subsidies or restoration programs in the municipality/region.
• Explain the damage to the urban planning office so that an engineer can carry out a habitability test.

4. Cleaning and disinfection

• Remove burned materials and objects beyond the repair.
• Clean soot with special cleaning agents (not just water that turns into mud).
• For strong smells: request ozone treatment of specialized crews.

5. Technical inspection

• Walls/structure: Engineer checks for thermal damage.
• Roof: If woods or tiled, you probably have to be replaced.
• Electrical/sanitary: Must be checked and often rebuilt.

6. Repairs and reconstruction

• New plaster, painting with anti-shape coatings.
• Exchange of insulation, windows, flooring.
• For serious damage: partly or complete reconstruction.

7. Protection for the future

• Create a “security zone” around the house (clear vegetation 10 to 30 meters).
• Use fire -proof materials for roof, frame and insulation.
• Consider installing a water tank with a pump or an automatic fire reduction system.
• Warning: Before the technical inspection, do not hurry into painting or minor repairs – time and money can be wasted if a complete reconstruction is required later.

From Panagiotis Evangelou, mechanical engineer