A fire can cause a wide variety of damage, from flame damage to smoke damage, and even damage from the firefighters trying to save the house with water and chemicals. The heat from a house fire can destroy walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. Once the flames are out, however, there can be much more damage to follow. Smoke and very fine soot particles can seep into the walls, ceilings, and floors causing a smoke and chemical smell that can be difficult if not impossible to remove.