IICRC guidelines identify new standard of care for fire and smoke restoration

BELFOR special projects manager Bran Lynch plays key role in industry standards creation

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly-published guidelines from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) establish comprehensive standards for the property restoration field. These standards were crafted by a S700 Consensus Body, led by industry veteran Bran Lynch—a special projects manager for BELFOR Property Restoration and Certified Mold Professional (CMP) through the Restoration Industry Association.

The IICRC S590 and S700 standards document principles, processes and procedures applicable to fire and smoke remediation work—specifically to assessing soot, smoke, odors and other residues that may linger in a building's systems following a fire. Upholding the IICRC standards allows restoration professionals to demonstrate a high level of aptitude in evaluating and addressing fire-related issues.

"With these standards, we're not trying to create a how-to manual so much as to document the current standard of care," said Lynch. "While smoke and odor remediation projects can vary, and there may be some instances where a deviation from these guidelines is required, we believe adherence to these standards will generally result in a successful outcome."

Lynch was chosen to chair the S700 Consensus body on the basis of his experience in the restoration and remediation sector. His tenure at BELFOR Property Restoration encompasses 25 years of restoration management experience, in addition to his role as a franchise business coach for DUCTZ, a leading name in the air duct cleaning and HVAC restoration industry. Also contributing to his wealth of knowledge is his lengthy history with restoration brands 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, a trusted provider of property restoration services; and Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, a respected authority in contents restoration.

The IICRC guidelines require diligent, meticulous work in evaluating the effects of a fire and include stipulations for visual inspections, assessments of odor retention and written Restoration Work Plans (RWPs). The guidelines are applicable to inspection and restoration work in residential, commercial, institutional and healthcare facilities.

The standards include an entire section devoted to the careful inspection of HVAC and air conveyance systems, which can often house soot and other lingering effects from a fire, water or mold event. Assessing the restorability of these systems is critical to the work done at DUCTZ, which specializes in air duct cleaning and HVAC restoration.

"These standards are literally decades in the making, and draw from a breadth of experience in the restoration industry—including my own work with BELFOR Property Restoration and the BELFOR Franchise Group restoration brands," said Lynch. "This is an exciting document that collects shared insight and experience from some of the remediation field's most accomplished professionals. It's something every restorer should keep on hand."

For additional information on the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, you can view more resources from Bran Lynch in Cleaning & Restoration Magazine here or by visiting iicrc.org/s700.

For more information about DUCTZ, visit www.ductz.com.

For more information about 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, visit www.1800waterdamage.com.

For more information about Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, visit bluekangaroopackoutz.com.

About DUCTZ 
DUCTZ is a trusted provider of air duct cleaning, HVAC restoration, dryer vent cleaning and condenser coil cleaning services in the U.S. and Canada. DUCTZ improves indoor air quality through superior air duct cleaning and HVAC restoration, and restores HVAC systems to their peak efficiency. DUCTZ has been listed on INC.'s "Top 500 Fastest Growing Companies" list, as well as on Entrepreneur's "Top Service Franchise" and "Best Home-Based Business" lists. For more information, please visit www.ductz.com. 

About 1-800 WATER DAMAGE
Founded in 2002, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE has become a leader in the property restoration industry and continues to make a major difference in the lives of homeowners when they're needed most. 1-800 WATER DAMAGE technicians across North America are equipped with the knowledge and tools to get the job done right the first time. In addition to long-lasting solutions that stand the test of time, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE places an emphasis on providing the ultimate customer experience as they restore homes and properties to a pre-damage condition. From the initial assessment to finetuning a game plan for each individual cleanup and restoration job, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE handles all the details so customers can focus on what matters most to them. To learn more about 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, and to schedule a service, visit 1800waterdamage.com.

About Blue Kangaroo Packoutz
Blue Kangaroo Packoutz is a contents restoration company that responds to the rescue of personal and business assets after an insurance loss, primarily fire and water damage. Backed by deep industry experience and industry-leading systems, the brand's services include assessment and pack-up of all contents, inventorying, secure storage, cleaning and restoration of salvageable items and move-back once the property has been restored. Blue Kangaroo Packoutz places an emphasis on building lasting relationships with residents and businesses through quality customer service. To learn more about Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, visit bluekangaroopackoutz.com.

About BELFOR Property Restoration 
BELFOR Property Restoration is the worldwide premier disaster restoration company, serving 31 countries with more than 300 offices and employing more than 8,000 full-time experienced restoration specialists. BELFOR Property Restoration provides residential, commercial and industrial customers every service needed to help return to normal operations following disaster. From structural damage repair and clean-up to the recovery and restoration of equipment and vital documents, BELFOR Property Restoration has a rapid and proven response. For more information, please visit www.BELFOR.com.

SOURCE DUCTZ