Professional fire damage assessment should be conducted as soon as possible after the fire is extinguished and the scene is safe for investigators. Delays can result in ongoing exposure to toxic combustion byproducts, further contamination spread through HVAC systems, and potential electrical equipment failures from corrosive compounds. Insurance claim deadlines may also be affected by assessment timing. Immediate assessment allows for prompt containment of contamination, proper documentation for insurance purposes, and faster restoration timeline. Waiting can complicate both health protection and insurance recovery while allowing contamination to penetrate deeper into building materials.