The January 2025 Eaton Fire changed a lot of Altadena. Some households lost everything and are now working through rebuilds. Others came home to a house that stood but a yard covered in ash, with a grill that sat through heat, smoke and weeks of fallout before anyone could deal with it. We take both kinds of calls, and the first job on either is the same: figure out what's safe, then what's worth keeping.
What we do with a grill that came through the fire
This is our usual sequence for ash-exposed grills.
- 1
Inspect the gas side first
Hoses, regulator, valves and connections are checked for heat damage and leak-tested before anything is lit.
- 2
Remove ash carefully
Fire ash can carry residue from burned buildings, so we take it out with care rather than blowing it around the yard, and bag it to haul away.
- 3
Strip and degrease
Burners, heat plates, grates and the firebox are removed and cleaned. Ash that got damp often leaves a crust that needs real work to get off.
- 4
Treat the stainless
Wet ash is alkaline and can stain and dull stainless. We clean and polish exterior panels and show you any spots where the finish was affected.
- 5
Replace what's damaged
Melted knobs, cracked hoses or a tired regulator get swapped. Common parts ride on the truck.
- 6
Test and report
Each burner is lit and checked, and we tell you plainly whether the grill is in good shape or whether replacement makes more sense.
Outdoor kitchens in new builds
Many rebuild plans include an outdoor kitchen, sometimes a bigger one than the house had before. We supply and install built-in grills and can work alongside your contractor once the island and gas line are in. Measuring the cutout correctly up front saves headaches later, so we're glad to look at plans before the masonry goes in. See built-in grill installation and our guide to choosing a built-in grill.
If the new house is set up for natural gas and you're moving from a propane grill, we also handle propane to natural gas conversion on models that support it.
Other work in Altadena
Regular cleaning
For grills that weren't in the fire's path but still collect foothill dust and oak debris.
Learn moreGrill inspections
A safety and condition check without a full cleaning, useful before deciding on repair or replacement.
Learn moreFire pit service
Gas fire pits and fire tables checked, cleaned and relit.
Learn moreRodent cleanup
Foothill homes get mice and rats nesting in grill cabinets. We clear nests and check wiring.
Learn more
Where we work
We cover all of Altadena, east and west of Lake Avenue, from the neighborhoods near Eaton Canyon to the west side and up toward the foothills along Loma Alta. Construction traffic and closures still come and go in some areas, so we confirm access when we schedule. Our page on wind, ash and outdoor kitchens has more on protecting a grill during future fire seasons.
Altadena questions
Is it safe to cook on my grill if it looks fine?
Looking fine isn't the same as being fine. If it was exposed to heat or heavy ash, get the gas parts checked and the inside cleaned before you use it.
Our gas was shut off after the fire and is back on now. Can we just relight the grill?
Soap-test the grill connections first, and if the grill sat close to the heat, have the hose, regulator and valves checked before lighting it. Our soap test guide walks through it.
How much will cleanup or installation cost?
It depends on the grill, its condition, and any parts or new equipment involved. Call or text, or send photos, and we'll give you a clear quote.
Also serving
Talk to us about your grill
Call or text, or send a few photos. We'll tell you what we see and what it will take.