Info About the Paradise CampFire, Lost/Melted Keys and Fire Safes

First of all, our hearts and prayers are with all those who lost everything this last week in the Paradise Campfire. The Camp Fire devastated Paradise and a large part of Butte County and I’m sure you are still reeling and wondering what do next.

As I wright this the first responders haven’t let us locksmiths up on the ridge yet, understandably, but the phone calls are already coming in.  We have made keys for several evacuees. We will continue to help and offer discounts.  I want to take a moment to write up some info on what to expect when your fire safe is opened and answer some of the questions I have been getting.

Most quality safes have a fire rating of something like 1250 degrees for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the safe.  This means, for a safe with a 45 min/1250 degree rating, the contents should have stayed under 350 degrees for at least that long if the outside temperature stayed under 1250 degrees (provided it was properly mounted to the ground).

There are as many safes out there as vehicles on the road and unfortunately, even a high quality fire safe can only take so much. We’ve all seen the photos of trucks with rims melted into the road. This fire was a monster. I want to prepare you that the possibility is great that the contents inside your safe are destroyed if they faced the full assault of the fire.

What to expect:

The seal on the door may have melted or expanded. The dial or key pad may have melted off. The BCL (Bolt Control Lever) used to retract the bolts may have also melted off.  Most quality safes use soft brass to secure “relockers” used to lock down the safe if someone tries to use a torch to cut it open, so it’s more than likely the safe will be a total loss even if the contents are protected.

If the safe is distorted (sides sucked in) – this indicates the safe got super heated inside and we will probably only find ashes.

If the safe is bloated on the outside – this indicates there was likely ammo or some other fuel that ignited inside and we will probably only find ashes.

If the safe did not burn for very long and was properly mounted, there is a good chance the contents survived if the fire rating was adequate.

Warranties:

If you have a quality safe with a factory warranty, we will open it and give you a receipt so manufacturer or retailer can honor an exchange or replacement. Opening it yourself might violate the warranty agreement, so check with the folks you got the safe from before breaking out the angle grinders.

Techniques:

Opening a safe after a fire of this magnitude isn’t a typical opening, where we manipulate open the safe or measure and drill a precise hole that will be patched and covered up. In cases like these we might have to use an angle grinder (in the right spot) or some heavy duty tools we don’t usually break out and even extra protective gear may be required.

Whatever the case, we will handle the job with dignity and respect for your possessions and situation. It is always our hope that you do not suffer more loss. We will continue offering our services and discounts whenever possible to make things a little easier for you.

God Bless you all and be well.  Please text, email or call if you have any questions.

Michael ~ Owner – All About Locks & Safes

(530) 514-0252

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