When a fire broke out in a truck inside the Motor Trade Association warehouse in Adelaide, the resulting smoke and soot damage extended to three surrounding warehouses. The scale of the job presented a significant challenge. The Steamatic Adelaide team was determined to handle this complex restoration efficiently and effectively.
The fire originated in the workshop, producing extensive soot and a pervasive fire odour that impacted both contents and structures across multiple areas, including:
Main Warehouse
Tool Room, Panel Room, Welding Bays
Paint Shop and Mixing Room
Roof structures and external areas near roller doors and signage
The Challenges
Scale of Damage: Extensive soot contamination across four warehouses, including sensitive equipment.
Time Sensitivity: Urgent restoration required to resume operations.
Coordination: Pulling on our nationwide expertise, teams from Perth and Brisbane were deployed to expediate the restoration.
To address the extensive damage, HEPA air filtration devices were installed to maintain air quality throughout the restoration. Affected contents, such as teaching aids and new engines, were meticulously cleaned, deodorised, and treated to prevent further damage. Electronic items were carefully cleaned, wrapped, and prepared for additional restoration work pending authorisation. On the structural side, the team undertook the cleaning and deodorisation of beams, walls, and ceilings, with containment measures implemented for safety. All debris was promptly and responsibly disposed of to ensure a safe working environment.
The Solution
The project was managed through a strategic, staged approach to handle the complexity and scale efficiently. Initial efforts prioritised critical areas, including the Panel Room and Main Warehouse, before progressing to other impacted sections. Steamatic leveraged its national network to mobilise skilled, IICRC-certified technicians from across the country, ensuring adequate resources and expertise. Specialised smoke and soot remediation processes were employed, alongside advanced restoration technology such as air scrubbers and dehumidifiers, to achieve thorough and effective results. The team also performed expert electronics restoration to recover sensitive equipment.
The Outcome
Restoration was completed ahead of time, enabling the client to resume operations promptly.
All affected areas were restored to pre-loss condition, ensuring safety and functionality.
Key Benefits:
Rapid resource deployment through a national network.
Industry-leading standards delivered by IICRC-certified technicians.
A seamless, methodical approach that ensured business continuity.
Testimonial
"I felt it was important to take a minute to acknowledge the amazing work the crew from Steamatic have been doing to assist with our rebuilding following last Monday night’s fire in the Heavy Vehicle Workshop.
Steamatic has flown team members in from QLD and WA to get quick traction on the cleaning. Some team members have been putting in 12-hour days to get things happening quickly for us! It’s impressive how they’re tackling such a massive task with such dedication!
Their efforts have contributed to MTA being able to recommence training in our panel workshop next week. The Steamatic team really has their hands full with them now focusing on the paint workshop and the entire upper workshop.
The Steamatic team consists of the following members: Michael, Leandre, Carlos, Smit, Tobias, Dillon, William, Edwin, Abu, Scott, Michael, Krishna, Surendra, Blake, Scott (team leader) and is supported by Francesca (Assessment Manager) and Luciano (Branch Manager). Everyone has been an absolute pleasure to deal with.
On behalf of the MTA, I want to say a HUGE thank you to Steamatic!"