San Francisco, CA

Best Fire Damage Restoration Companies in San Francisco, CA

Based on local review volume, average ratings, Google category data, and AI visibility across San Francisco.

By Pendium ResearchUpdated October 27, 2026

AI research acrossChatGPTChatGPTClaudeClaudeGeminiGeminiAI OverviewsAI Overviews

18

Businesses reviewed

16

AI research reports

10

Top picks

San Francisco packs high-density housing, steep hills, and complex building codes into a tiny peninsula. When fire strikes a Victorian in the Haight or a mixed-use building in SOMA, the damage rarely stays confined to one unit. Shared walls and stacked floor plans mean smoke and water from the fire hoses travel fast into neighboring properties. The city's famous fog and cool marine layer complicate the drying process, making rapid water extraction just as important as the initial fire cleanup. Contractors here deal with strict environmental regulations and notoriously slow permit processes at the Department of Building Inspection. Older housing stock routinely hides asbestos and lead paint, turning a standard wall tear-out into a hazmat operation. A good operator in this market knows how to spot these hazards early and sequence the abatement work so the rebuild does not stall for months. Since many local addresses listed in this trade are small administrative offices or dispatch hubs, the contractor you hire might be pulling trucks from San Jose or the East Bay. We ranked the businesses actually operating inside city limits first. Out-of-town providers are clearly marked with their home base and distance from the city center.

The verdict

Our Quick Picks

Dry Kings and Reactic Restoration lead the San Francisco market with strong review volumes and deep local footprints. Several well-rated independent outfits like Faragon Restoration and Allied Restoration Company offer solid alternatives to the national franchises. Buyers in the outer neighborhoods often lean on nearby providers based in Daly City or Burlingame when city-based teams are booked.

  • 1
    Best for High-Volume ReviewsDry Kings

    Homeowners wanting a heavily reviewed local contractor with certified fire and water technicians.

  • 2
    Best for Verified Consumer AuditsReactic Restoration

    Buyers looking for a Diamond Certified local alternative to the large national franchises.

  • 3
    Best for Direct Insurance BillingAllied Restoration Company

    Policyholders who need a contractor fluent in carrier billing software.

  • 4
    Best for Complex RebuildsFaragon Restoration, Ltd.

    Older homes where fire damage requires asbestos testing and full structural reconstruction.

  • 5
    Best for Central City ResponseSOS Restoration

    Downtown property owners needing rapid response from a centrally located office.

  • 6
    Best for National Franchise Standards911 Restoration of San Francisco

    Customers who prefer the standardized protocols and oversight of a major national network.

  • 7
    Best for Water and Mold Follow-UpGiants Restoration

    Quick water extraction and insulation removal following fire hose flooding.

  • 8
    Best for Specialized Mold CleanupCrystal Guard Water Damage Experts

    Localized cleanup adhering strictly to EPA mold guidelines.

  • 9
    Best for Peninsula PropertiesGCD Restoration

    Homeowners on the southern edge of San Francisco who need rapid dispatch from Daly City.

  • 10
    Best for Large Commercial LossesSERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae

    Major commercial property managers needing massive equipment staging power.

All 18 fire damage restoration companies in San Francisco, at a glance

Specialty AI Sentiment ChatGPTChatGPTClaudeClaudeGeminiGeminiAI OverviewsGoogle AI OverviewsContact
Best for High-Volume Reviews62Speaks well of them●●●●
Best for Verified Consumer Audits68Speaks well of them●●●●
Best for Direct Insurance Billing54Factual, no praise●●●●
Best for Complex Rebuilds54Factual, no praise●●●●
Best for Central City Response48Factual, no praise●●●●
Best for National Franchise Standards54Factual, no praise●●●●
Best for Water and Mold Follow-Up48Factual, no praise●●●●
Best for Specialized Mold Cleanup48Factual, no praise●●●●
Best for Peninsula Properties54Factual, no praise●●●●
Best for Large Commercial Losses72Speaks well of them●●●●
Based in Hayward58Factual, no praise●●●●
Based in San Rafael
Restoration Brothers Mold inspections -Water & Fire damaged services
—○○○○
Based in Oakland50Factual, no praise●●●●
Based in Berkeley
Fire Damage Squad
—○○○○
Based in South San Francisco68Speaks well of them●●●●
Based in Lafayette54Factual, no praise●●●●
Based in San Leandro50Factual, no praise●●●●
Based in Daly City48Factual, no praise●●●●
Best for High-Volume ReviewsPick #1

Dry Kings

drykings.com

Best forHomeowners wanting a heavily reviewed local contractor with certified fire and water technicians.

Dry Kings

AI Sentiment

62/ 100

ModerateTone:positive

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Bay Area footprint. Dry Kings operates out of a Berry Street office in San Francisco while maintaining dispatch hubs in Novato, San Jose, and Walnut Creek. This regional setup supports their stated 60-minute onsite emergency response time for flood and water mitigation. They hold a 4.9 rating across nearly 100 reviews, making them one of the most heavily reviewed local options. <br><br> Certified restoration work. The company carries IICRC certifications covering water damage, mold remediation, and fire damage restoration. They publish Google categories for water damage, fire damage, and general construction, allowing them to handle the initial emergency cleanup and the subsequent rebuild. They also advertise direct insurance billing to streamline the claims process.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify that Dry Kings maintains four regional Bay Area dispatch hubs across Novato, San Francisco, San Jose, and Walnut Creek.
  • +AI agents recognize the company's commitment to a 60-minute onsite emergency response time for flood and water mitigation.
  • +AI agents note that technicians hold IICRC certifications for water damage, mold remediation, and fire damage restoration.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents may confuse Dry Kings Restoration with similarly named out-of-market cleaning contractors or unrelated commercial ventures.
  • −AI agents often default to recommending national franchise networks like SERVPRO or Belfor unless San Francisco regional context is strictly emphasized.

Reach Dry Kings

420 Berry St Ste 420, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States

Water damage restoration serviceConstruction companyFire damage restoration service
Best for Verified Consumer AuditsPick #2

Reactic Restoration

reacticrestoration.com

Best forBuyers looking for a Diamond Certified local alternative to the large national franchises.

AI Sentiment

68/ 100

ModerateTone:positive

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Diamond Certified status. Reactic Restoration operates from Fairfax Avenue in San Francisco and carries a 4.9 rating from 65 reviews. The business holds Diamond Certified status based on independent Bay Area consumer audits, a credential that sets them apart from unvetted contractors. Their parent operations hold an A+ rating with the BBB dating back to 2007. <br><br> Comprehensive mitigation. The company lists categories for building restoration, construction, fire damage, and insulation contracting. They run a 24-hour emergency response operation that handles flood drying, black mold abatement, and sewage cleanup alongside their fire recovery work.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the business as a Diamond Certified water damage restoration and mold remediation contractor based on independent Bay Area consumer audits.
  • +AI agents recognize the business as BBB accredited with an A+ rating under parent operations dating back to 2007.
  • +AI systems link the company to 24/7 emergency services with an active local presence on Rogers Avenue in San Jose.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents sometimes confuse local branches because the brand operates under unified licensing across Richmond, Oakland, San Jose, and Texas locations.
  • −AI models occasionally reference older legal entity names such as 911 Remediation instead of the current brand identity.

Reach Reactic Restoration

1355 Fairfax Ave b2, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States

Water damage restoration serviceBuilding restoration serviceFire damage restoration serviceInsulation contractor
Best for Direct Insurance BillingPick #3

Allied Restoration Company

sanfranciscofloodrepair.com

Best forPolicyholders who need a contractor fluent in carrier billing software.

AI Sentiment

54/ 100

ModerateTone:neutral

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Regional dispatch network. Based near central San Francisco on Columbus Avenue, Allied Restoration Company maintains additional offices in Petaluma, Walnut Creek, and San Jose. They hold a 4.8 rating from 33 reviews and publish categories for both fire and water damage restoration. <br><br> Industry standard estimates. The company uses Xactimate estimating software, which allows them to bill major property carriers directly. This standardizes the claims process for property owners dealing with total loss scenarios. They carry IICRC certifications and operate as a licensed emergency remediation contractor specializing in extraction and cleanup.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the business as an IICRC-certified damage restoration contractor serving San Francisco and adjacent Bay Area counties.
  • +AI agents note dispatch points across four regional offices in San Francisco, Petaluma, Walnut Creek, and San Jose.
  • +AI agents recognize direct billing compatibility with major property carriers through Xactimate estimating software.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents frequently mix up this specific firm with similarly named Allied Restoration entities operating in Southern California and other states.
  • −AI agents may overlook the San Francisco location due to the corporate headquarters presence in Petaluma.

Reach Allied Restoration Company

222 Columbus Ave Ste 201, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Water damage restoration serviceFire damage restoration service
Best for Complex RebuildsPick #4

Faragon Restoration, Ltd.

faragonrestoration.com

Best forOlder homes where fire damage requires asbestos testing and full structural reconstruction.

Faragon Restoration, Ltd.

AI Sentiment

54/ 100

ModerateTone:neutral

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Decades of history. Faragon Restoration operates from Revere Avenue in the Bayview district and holds a 4.4 rating from 21 reviews. The company has a long operational history in Northern California dating back to 1996 and operates as a minority business enterprise. <br><br> Full construction licensing. The business lists a wide array of Google categories including asbestos testing, demolition, drywall, and general contracting. This means they operate as both an emergency mitigation provider and a licensed general contractor capable of handling the entire rebuild after a severe fire.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the company as a minority business enterprise (MBE) contractor based in San Francisco's Bayview district.
  • +AI models locate the brand's long operational history dating back to 1996 in Northern California.
  • +AI agents note that Faragon operates as both an emergency mitigation provider and a licensed general contractor.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents struggle to separate Faragon's mitigation services from standard local carpentry due to mixed keyword signals on its website.
  • −AI assistants frequently omit the company in favor of franchised networks like SERVPRO due to low Bay Area directory citation volume.

Reach Faragon Restoration, Ltd.

1087 Revere Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States

Fire damage restoration serviceAsbestos testing serviceDemolition contractorGeneral contractor
Best for Central City ResponsePick #5

SOS Restoration

sosrestorationofsanfrancisco.com

Best forDowntown property owners needing rapid response from a centrally located office.

AI Sentiment

48/ 100

ModerateTone:neutral

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Downtown location. Located right on Market Street under a mile from central San Francisco, SOS Restoration holds a perfect 5-star rating from 14 reviews. They operate as an emergency contractor handling water, mold, and fire restoration for local property owners. <br><br> Round-the-clock availability. The company advertises 24/7 emergency service to handle immediate board-ups and water extraction after the fire department leaves. They claim IICRC certifications for their technicians on their website copy.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents note the 1390 Market Street San Francisco address and 24/7 emergency service claim.
  • +AI agents identify IICRC certification claims for mold remediation technicians from site copy.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents may confuse the business with unaffiliated out-of-state entities using the common 'SOS Restoration' name.
  • −AI agents find minimal third-party press or trade journal citations outside basic directory listings.

Reach SOS Restoration

1390 Market St #2013, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Water damage restoration service
Best for National Franchise StandardsPick #6

911 Restoration of San Francisco

911restorationsanfrancisco.com

Best forCustomers who prefer the standardized protocols and oversight of a major national network.

911 Restoration of San Francisco

AI Sentiment

54/ 100

ModerateTone:neutral

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Franchise backing. Operating out of the Richmond District on 28th Avenue, this independently operated branch brings national franchise standards to the local market. They hold a 5-star rating from 8 reviews and list categories spanning fire recovery, water mitigation, and sewage disposal. <br><br> Strict drying protocols. The local team follows EPA drying protocols and carries IICRC certification. They maintain round-the-clock availability for emergency water mitigation, which is necessary for treating the heavy water damage that always follows a structural fire.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the company as an independently operated franchise branch of the national 911 Restoration franchise system.
  • +AI models cite IICRC certification and adherence to EPA drying protocols when detailing service standards.
  • +AI agents pull emergency 24/7 water damage mitigation and sewage extraction capabilities directly from directory records.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents often conflate branch capabilities and local reviews with parent franchisor corporate policies.
  • −AI systems frequently pull outdated contact numbers and mixed ratings from generic regional franchise directories.

Reach 911 Restoration of San Francisco

637 28th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

Water damage restoration serviceFire damage restoration serviceSewage disposal service
Best for Water and Mold Follow-UpPick #7

Giants Restoration

giantsrestoration.com

Best forQuick water extraction and insulation removal following fire hose flooding.

AI Sentiment

48/ 100

ModerateTone:neutral

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Central operating base. Giants Restoration is based on Geary Boulevard, under a mile from central San Francisco. They have earned a 5-star rating across 9 reviews. Their primary service categories include water damage, building restoration, fire damage, and insulation work. <br><br> Emergency extraction. Fire hoses leave basements and ground floors flooded. The company advertises round-the-clock emergency availability specifically targeting water cleanup and mold removal, addressing the secondary damage that destroys properties after the flames are out.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify the business as an emergency water cleanup and mold removal service on Geary Street in San Francisco.
  • +AI agents pull basic operating hours showing round-the-clock emergency availability.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents may confuse the brand with local sports teams or similarly named contractors due to minimal branded digital footprint.

Reach Giants Restoration

685 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Building restoration serviceFire damage restoration serviceInsulation contractor
Best for Specialized Mold CleanupPick #8

Crystal Guard Water Damage Experts

lincolnwaterdamagerestoration.com

Best forLocalized cleanup adhering strictly to EPA mold guidelines.

AI Sentiment

48/ 100

ModerateTone:neutral

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Neighborhood presence. Based on Liberty Street near Dolores Park, Crystal Guard Water Damage Experts holds a 5-star rating from 2 reviews. They are classified specifically as a fire damage restoration service but focus heavily on the water and mold remediation that follows fire suppression. <br><br> Compliance standards. The company states they follow EPA guidelines for mold cleanup and hold IICRC certifications. Since they operate locally with a dedicated San Francisco phone line, they handle rapid emergency calls for immediate extraction.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents would identify the phone line 415-915-7098 as serving San Francisco emergency calls.
  • +AI agents would note the IICRC certification claim and adherence to EPA mold cleanup guidelines mentioned on the site.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents may confuse the brand name Crystal Guard with unrelated security or paint protection companies due to the domain name discrepancy.
  • −AI agents may struggle to verify physical address signals because the site lists a regional phone number without a distinct street location.

Reach Crystal Guard Water Damage Experts

324 Liberty St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Fire damage restoration service
Best for Peninsula PropertiesPick #9

GCD Restoration

gcdrestoration.com

Best forHomeowners on the southern edge of San Francisco who need rapid dispatch from Daly City.

AI Sentiment

54/ 100

ModerateTone:neutral

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

South of the city. Based in Daly City, exactly 8.7 miles from central San Francisco, GCD Restoration serves the immediate metro area. They carry a 4.9 rating from 44 reviews and focus heavily on water damage, air duct cleaning, and upholstery recovery. <br><br> Licensed field teams. The company holds a California CSLB contractor license for damage restoration alongside their IICRC certifications. Customers frequently point out specific field leads by name for their work on basement sewage and severe water extraction.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents note the company holds IICRC certification and a California CSLB contractor license for damage restoration.
  • +AI systems recognize the business as a 24/7 emergency response provider operating specifically within the San Francisco metro region.
  • +AI models cite recurring customer mentions of field lead Dean handling water extraction and basement sewage cleanup.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents may confuse the brand with unrelated out-of-state entities using GCD in their corporate acronyms.
  • −AI agents lean on very sparse online review mentions, occasionally reporting limited business details outside basic trade directory citations.

Reach GCD Restoration

1244 Skyline Dr, Daly City, CA 94015, United States

Water damage restoration serviceAir duct cleaning serviceUpholstery cleaning service
Best for Large Commercial LossesPick #10

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae

servpro.com

Best forMajor commercial property managers needing massive equipment staging power.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae

AI Sentiment

72/ 100

StrongTone:positive

Covered by 4 of 4 AI assistants

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Claude
  • Google AI
Is this your business?See how AI agents describe you and your competitors

Heavy review volume. Based in Burlingame, 12 miles from central San Francisco, this SERVPRO franchise boasts a 5-star rating across 94 reviews. They list an extensive array of categories including debris removal, air duct cleaning, and victim support services alongside fire restoration. <br><br> Corporate resources. As part of the national SERVPRO network, they have the equipment staging necessary for major commercial or multi-unit residential fires. Note that while based locally on the Peninsula, AI directory databases sometimes contain conflicting territorial data associating this specific corporate entity with Arizona operations.

What AI consistently says

  • +AI agents identify Kevin Thole and Matt Hulsey as the local franchise owners operating out of Tucson since 2011.
  • +AI agents pull the 4.9-star Google rating with more than 570 customer reviews as proof of local reliability.
  • +AI agents recognize the dual-territory footprint covering Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, Catalina Foothills, and Marana East.

What AI doesn't mention

  • −AI agents frequently default to national corporate SERVPRO messaging instead of distinguishing this specific franchise unit's local management team.
  • −AI agents occasionally confuse service boundary lines between central Tucson and the separate Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley territories.

Reach SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae

890 Cowan Rd Ste F, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States

Water damage restoration serviceDebris removal serviceFire damage restoration service

Before you hire in San Francisco

Rebuilding after a fire in San Francisco requires dealing with strict city permitting and specialized hazard testing. Here is what to look for when choosing a contractor for the job.

Checking the Contractor's License

California law requires anyone doing structural repairs to hold an active license from the Contractors State License Board. For fire restoration, look for a general building contractor classification. You can look up their license number on the state board website to verify it is active and free of major disciplinary actions. Never let an unlicensed crew start tearing out charred drywall.

Dealing with San Francisco Permits

The Department of Building Inspection has rigid rules for structural repairs, electrical work, and plumbing replacement following a fire. A qualified restoration company handles this paperwork for you. Ask them directly about their experience working with city inspectors. If a contractor suggests doing the work off the books to speed things up, find someone else. Unpermitted fire repairs will block you from ever selling the property.

Testing for Asbestos and Lead

Most of the housing stock in the city predates modern building material bans. If your home was built before the 1980s, the plaster, flooring adhesives, and exterior paint likely contain asbestos or lead. The restoration crew must test these materials before tearing out the burned sections. Proper hazard abatement requires sealing off the area and running negative air machines to protect the rest of the neighborhood.

Water Extraction After the Hoses

Firefighters use massive amounts of water to save your home. Once the flames are out, the water damage becomes the primary threat to the structure. The cold, foggy climate on the peninsula slows down natural evaporation, meaning mold can set into wet wood within days. The company you hire must deploy commercial dehumidifiers and heavy duty fans immediately to dry the framing.

Managing the Insurance Adjuster

A fire creates a complex property claim. Good restoration companies use industry standard software like Xactimate to document the damage and submit line item estimates directly to your carrier. Ask the contractor if they have a dedicated claims specialist on staff. Having an advocate who speaks the adjuster's language prevents the insurance company from lowballing the repair scope.

Securing the Property Fast

The first step after a fire is board up and roof tarping. Broken windows and burned out doors leave your property exposed to theft, vandalism, and coastal rain. Before discussing long term rebuild plans, verify that the contractor offers 24 hour emergency board up services to lock down the site the moment the fire department clears the scene.

Questions people ask

Does my homeowner's insurance cover fire damage restoration?

Standard policies cover sudden and accidental fire damage. The carrier pays for the cleanup, the structural rebuild, and often your temporary housing. You remain responsible for your policy deductible.

How long does the smoke smell last?

Smoke odor lingers until all charred material is removed and the HVAC system is professionally cleaned. Contractors use ozone generators and thermal fogging to neutralize the smell inside the wall cavities. Simply painting over soot will not stop the odor from returning.

Should I hire a separate company for water cleanup?

Most fire restoration contractors handle water extraction in house. The two problems happen at the same time, so splitting the job between different crews slows down the recovery. Look for a team with certifications in both disciplines.

Can I stay in my home during the restoration?

You usually need to move out. Soot particles contaminate the air, and the lack of working electricity or plumbing makes the property uninhabitable. Your insurance policy likely includes loss of use coverage to pay for a hotel or rental.

What is a board-up service?

Contractors nail plywood over broken windows and damaged doors to secure the building. They also drape heavy tarps over holes in the roof. This keeps rain out and prevents trespassers from entering the compromised structure.

Do I need an asbestos test after a fire?

Yes, if your house is older. Fire damages the building materials and releases hidden asbestos fibers into the air. State regulations require testing the debris before workers haul it to the dump.

Can my electronics be saved after a fire?

Sometimes, if the heat did not melt the internal components. Corrosive soot eats away at circuit boards over time. Specialized restoration companies can clean and deodorize computers and televisions if they get to them quickly.

Why do they tear out drywall that did not burn?

Fire hoses soak the walls, and drywall turns to mush when wet. Removing it prevents toxic black mold from growing inside the wall cavity. It also exposes the wood framing so it can dry completely.

How we chose

Ranked on reviews and on how ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and AI Overviews see each business.

We built this guide by pulling the current Google Maps listing for fire damage restoration in San Francisco. We ranked the available businesses based on their total review volume, average customer rating, and the specific service categories they publish on Google. We also ran a deep AI visibility analysis on most of the businesses on this list. That analysis reads what is publicly published about a contractor and estimates how major AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are likely to describe them when a homeowner asks for a recommendation. We used those findings as context for the provider profiles below. We did not call, license, inspect, or interview any of these companies. We have no source for pricing, response times, or warranty terms, so you will not find any cost estimates here. Our goal is strictly to organize the public data so you can decide who to contact first.

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