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Chasing Fires – Why We Don’t Cross That Line

Some restoration companies arrive at a fire before the flames are even out. At Summit, we take a different stance.

2 min read

Matt Davies, Owner & Chief Operating Officer at Summit Cleaning & Restoration

By Matt Davies · Owner, Summit Cleaning & Restoration

Matt Davies joined Summit in 2013 as a carpenter and worked through nearly every operational role before becoming Owner and Chief Operating Officer.

Chasing Fires – Why We Don’t Cross That Line

It might surprise you to learn that some restoration companies often arrive at the scene of a fire before the flames have even been fully extinguished. Listening to scanners and rushing to the scene with the hope of securing a signed contract isn’t uncommon in the industry. In fact, it’s become a tactic so widely used that it even has a name: fire chasing.

Why? Because fire repairs is big business. Each year, it’s estimated that over $14 billion in property damage is caused by house fires across the United States. When tragedy strikes, it creates a legitimate need for cleanup and rebuilding. And for some companies, it’s seen as an opportunity to act fast and secure the job before anyone else can.

But at Summit, we take a different stance.

The Line We Don’t Cross

We understand the desire to get more work coming through the door. We employ teams of skilled professionals who rely on a steady flow of projects to provide for their families. But even so, we have drawn a firm line in the sand: we do not chase fires.

We do not show up uninvited. We don’t pressure families into signing contracts during one of the most traumatic moments of their lives. And we don’t believe that simply being first makes you the best choice.

It’s Not Just What We Do, It’s How We Do It

At Summit, we absolutely provide 24/7 emergency response. If you need us, we can be there in an instant. But we believe how we show up is just as important as when we show up.

We choose to take a step back, to give grieving families space, and to wait for the invitation to serve.

Referred, Not Rushed

We believe in earning trust through referrals, reputation, and relationships. If you or someone you know ever experiences a fire, Summit Cleaning & Restoration is here. Ready, capable, and willing. But we’ll wait for the call.

Because at Summit, we don’t chase, we lead. Fire chasing is a line we do not cross. And we never will.

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Matt Davies, Owner & Chief Operating Officer at Summit Cleaning & Restoration About the author: Matt Davies Owner, Summit Cleaning & Restoration

Matt Davies joined Summit in 2013 as a carpenter and worked through nearly every operational role before becoming Owner and Chief Operating Officer. He writes here about the real work — what fails, what saves the property, and what homeowners in Oregon and SW Washington need to know before an emergency hits.

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