Fire and Smoke Restoration Licensing in Ontario

Fire and smoke restoration is not a compulsory trade in Ontario, but the work is performed to industry standards and reputable firms hold IICRC certifications (Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Water Damage Restoration). Structural repairs, electrical, or plumbing work performed during restoration must be done by the appropriate licensed trades (ESA for electrical) and may require building permits. Workers handling hazardous residues follow Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements. Liability insurance and WSIB coverage are mandatory in practice, and most work is coordinated with property insurers.

Ask which IICRC certifications the technicians hold, confirm liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and verify that licensed trades will perform any electrical, plumbing, or structural repairs.

(1) No IICRC certification or verifiable fire and smoke restoration experience (2) Cannot provide proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage (3) Pressures you to sign over your insurance claim before assessing the work (4) Begins cleanup without documenting damage and contents for the insurer (5) Subcontracts electrical or structural repairs to unlicensed workers

(1) What IICRC certifications do your technicians hold for fire and smoke restoration? (2) Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and can you show proof? (3) How do you document damage and work directly with my insurance company? (4) What is your emergency response time for board-up and mitigation? (5) Will licensed trades handle any electrical, plumbing, or structural repairs?

For fire and smoke restoration work in Ontario, you may need the following permits: ESA Electrical Permit, Municipal Building Permit. Confirm that any electrical, plumbing, or structural repairs will be handled by licensed trades under the proper permits, and that the firm documents everything for your insurance claim.

Yes, fire and smoke restorations in Ontario are expected to carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage.

Typical rates for fire and smoke restorations in Ontario range from $75-$200/hour (crew and equipment). Extent and type of fire (kitchen, electrical, structural), volume of soot and smoke penetration, water damage from firefighting, contents affected, deodorization method, structural repairs required, and whether the work is coordinated through an insurance claim. Emergency mitigation (board-up, tarping, water extraction) is billed before full restoration. These are indicative ranges; fire-loss costs vary widely with severity and are usually set through an insurance adjuster, so confirm figures with your insurer and a restoration assessment.