Grease Fire Cleanup Costs in Denver, Colorado: Residential & Commercial Scenarios
In Denver, grease fires are one of the most common types of kitchen fires affecting both homeowners and business owners. Whether it’s a minor stovetop incident or a full-blown restaurant blaze, the cost to clean up and restore the damage can vary widely. Local factors—like labor rates, building codes, and regional contractor availability—also influence the final cost.
Here’s a detailed look at what to expect for grease fire cleanup costs in Denver, across residential and commercial settings.
1. Residential – Minor Kitchen Fire
In many Denver homes, small grease fires start and stop in the kitchen—often contained quickly before spreading. These incidents typically result in smoke and soot damage but not much structural impact.
Common Services in Denver:
- Smoke and soot cleaning
- Odor removal using ozone or thermal fogging
- Surface cleaning of counters, cabinets, and kitchen appliances
Typical Cost Range (Denver):
$500 – $3,000
Smaller homes and condos around neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Park Hill may fall on the lower end of this range, especially if only a single room is affected.
Key Cost Factors:
- Kitchen size and ventilation
- Level of smoke residue
- Time and labor needed for deodorization
2. Residential – Moderate Fire Damage
If the fire extends beyond the kitchen—into hallways, dining areas, or living rooms—costs increase due to additional smoke cleaning and minor repairs. In Denver’s older neighborhoods like Wash Park or Congress Park, smoke can penetrate porous walls and older cabinetry, making cleanup more labor-intensive.
Common Services in Denver Homes:
- Multi-room smoke and soot removal
- Odor control in multiple spaces
- Drywall patching, cabinet repair, and painting
Typical Cost Range (Denver):
$5,000 – $20,000
Historic homes or larger residences in areas like Stapleton or Cherry Creek may fall on the higher end due to square footage and material types.
Key Cost Factors:
- Number of rooms affected
- Type of surfaces/materials involved
- Extent of cosmetic or minor structural repairs
3. Residential – Severe Kitchen Fire
Serious grease fires in Denver homes often require full-scale restoration. This includes structural tear-outs, smoke damage removal throughout the property, and rebuilding of the kitchen or affected areas.
Services Often Required:
- Deep smoke and soot cleaning throughout the house
- Full deodorization
- Structural repairs, wall replacement, cabinetry rebuild
- Appliance replacement
Typical Cost Range (Denver):
$20,000 – $100,000+
In areas with high-end homes like Highlands Ranch or Boulder suburbs, full kitchen rebuilds with modern finishes and high-end appliances may even exceed $100K.
Key Cost Factors:
- Structural integrity and scope of fire spread
- Appliance and cabinetry replacement
- Building permits and code compliance within Denver
4. Commercial – Restaurant Grease Fire
Denver’s thriving restaurant scene—from LoDo to RiNo—is no stranger to kitchen fires. Grease fires in commercial kitchens often result in costly repairs due to strict health codes, commercial-grade equipment, and business downtime.
Typical Commercial Restoration Services:
- Industrial smoke and soot removal
- Deep cleaning of commercial hoods, vents, and ductwork
- Equipment repair or replacement (fryers, ovens, ranges)
- Sanitization and odor control to meet health regulations
Estimated Cost Range (Denver Restaurants):
$30,000 – $150,000+
Costs vary based on the size of the kitchen, type of equipment affected, and whether operations are shut down temporarily. Business interruption costs in busy areas like Cherry Creek or downtown Denver can also add to the losses.
Key Cost Factors:
- Commercial kitchen size and configuration
- Code-compliant cleanup and inspections
- Appliance replacement and ventilation repair
- Duration of closure and lost revenue
Denver Cost Comparison Table
Component / ServiceMinor Home FireModerate Home FireSevere Home FireCommercial FireSmoke/Soot Cleanup$200–$1,200/room$2,000–$6,000 total$6,000–$20,000+$1,500–$5,000Odor Removal$200–$600$400–$1,200$1,000–$2,000+$2,000–$8,000Minor Repairs (Cabinets, etc)None needed$500–$2,000$2,000–$10,000+$3,000–$15,000Major Repairs (Reconstruction)—$1,000–$5,000$20,000–$50,000+$10,000–$100,000+Equipment ReplacementMinimal$500–$2,000$20,000+$5,000–$50,000+Estimated Total$500–$3,000$5,000–$20,000$20,000–$100,000+$30,000–$150,000+
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a Denver homeowner dealing with a small stovetop fire or a restaurant owner facing a kitchen disaster, grease fire damage can be overwhelming—and expensive. From smoke and soot to structural rebuilds and code compliance, the costs add up quickly.
The good news? Many of these restoration expenses are covered by insurance. But timing matters. Working with a local, certified fire restoration company in Denver ensures the job gets done right, quickly, and in full compliance with local regulations.