Smoke Residue Types (Protein, Wet Smoke, Dry Smoke, Fuel Oil Soot)

Fire restoration crews sort smoke residue by how it formed, because each type cleans differently. Protein residue comes from a low-heat fire involving food or organic material, and it leaves a nearly invisible film with a strong odor. Wet smoke residue comes from a smoldering, lower-temperature fire, and it leaves a sticky, smeary soot that is hard to wipe away cleanly. Dry smoke residue comes from a fast, high-temperature fire, and it leaves a fine, dry powder that is easier to remove than wet smoke. Fuel oil soot comes from a furnace malfunction rather than a house fire, and it leaves an oily, black film that spreads through the ductwork.