Carefully examine all food that's been through a fire before using it, said Martha Archuleta, food and nutrition specialist with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service. Food in freezers and refrigerators might look fine but should be treated with caution if the power went off. If in doubt, throw it out. High temperatures can also damage foods in the pantry. Glass or cans could rupture.
Food can also sustain smoke damage.
Also, if food is exposed to chemicals that are used to fight the fire, the food will be unsafe. Undamaged cans or glass jars can be cleaned to remove soot, she said. If it looks like a normally shaped can, wash it thoroughly in hot, soapy water, then soak the can for 15 minutes in a bleach solution with about one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. The same solution can be used to clean cookware that has been through a fire. Food losses can usually be claimed as lost goods on an insurance claim, Archuleta said.