What Happens to Gold in a House Fire?

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

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Of all fires reported in the US, more than 25 percent were residential fires, according to the Red Cross. It's time to change those numbers and know how to safeguard your home from fires. 

Once you are sure of the safety of your loved ones after a house fire, then you start to wonder about your valuables and belongings like passports, cash, and precious metals such as silver or gold jewelry.

So, what happens to gold in a fire? Is gold fireproof, or is it lost forever? 

No need to worry, as gold is fireproof — to a degree. Chances are, your bullion can survive a house fire unscathed. 

Get in touch with us at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for fast, reliable Fort Worth Fire Damage Restoration services to recover your valuable possessions after a house fire. 

Gold Flammability 

Thankfully, gold isn't flammable, but it can melt at extremely high temperatures. Gold is one of the least reactive materials and it won’t ignite or otherwise burst into flames, no matter how hot the flames get. 

However, the melting point of gold is 1947.52 Fahrenheit, whereas most house fires generate an average temperature of 1200 to 1700 Fahrenheit. It is likely that if your house did suffer a fire, any gold in your possession will be okay. 

Securing and Saving Undamaged Possessions

Always put your gold in a fireproof safe, or a concealed floor safe, far from areas that catch fire quickly. This way, your gold is safe from fire as well as burglars. 

A restoration company like SERVPRO of North Richland Hills can help you sort out your possessions after a fire and recover as much as possible. Usually, there are plenty of salvageable items in the wreckage, particularly silver and gold jewelry and bullion, safe boxes, etc. 

If your gold was in packaging that catches fire, then could have created temperatures high enough to melt the precious metal. 

But, if you take adequate precautions in storing your gold, then our restoration experts can more easily find your precious metals and restore your jewelry to its former luster.  

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills: Call Today for Gold Restoration Services  

Our damage restoration technicians offer a wide range of restoration services for fire-damaged residential and commercial properties. Besides this, we also provide mold remediation, air duct cleaning, roof tarping, specialty cleaning, and much more throughout all the major cities in the DFW area. 

We’re the number one cleaning and restoration service provider in Fort Worth. Contact us anytime day or night for a free consultation at (817) 589-1499.