# Dry smoke

Dry, powdery, non-greasy. Falls off surfaces more readily. It is the most forgiving residue, but it travels into cracks and wall cavities on heat

> Source: https://servpronorhfremont.com/fire/smoke-types/dry-smoke/
> Last reviewed: 2026-08-22

---

- Home
- Smoke residue types
- Smoke residue types
- Dry smoke
 
 

# Dry smoke

 - Fire & smoke
- Water
 
 
 
Caution — limited conditions Only under the specific conditions stated. If any of them do not hold, stop. Smoke type: Dry smoke

Dry, powdery, non-greasy. Falls off surfaces more readily.

It is the most forgiving residue, but it travels into cracks and wall cavities on heat, so surface appearance understates the spread.

 
 
Fast-burning, high-temperature fires with paper and wood. Dry, powdery, non-greasy. Falls off surfaces more readily. It is the most forgiving residue, but it travels into cracks and wall cavities on heat, so surface appearance understates the spread. The distinction matters because it changes what the work actually is, and therefore what it costs.
 

## What produces it # Link to this section

Fast-burning, high-temperature fires with paper and wood.

## What it looks like # Link to this section

Dry, powdery, non-greasy. Falls off surfaces more readily.

## Why it matters # Link to this section

It is the most forgiving residue, but it travels into cracks and wall cavities on heat, so surface appearance understates the spread.

 

## What comes next

A structure fire also brought suppression water, which is rarely Category 1 by the time anyone can get in. See water categories , and past the drying window, mold .

 
 

## Related questions

 - The first hour after any loss
- Smoke residue types
- Water categories and what must be removed
- Mold and the drying window
- What your policy covers
 
 
 

## Sources

Every source cited on this page

 - T2 ANSI/IICRC S700 — IICRC (accessed 2026-08-22)

- T2 ANSI/IICRC S500 — IICRC (accessed 2026-08-22)
 
 
 Written by: PLACEHOLDER — Restoration Reviewer Reviewed by: PLACEHOLDER — Claims Reviewer Safety reviewed by: PLACEHOLDER — Restoration Reviewer Last reviewed: 2026-08-22