Do not wipe soot before documenting it
Before touching the residue, take clear photos from the doorway, the room center, close up, and along nearby ceiling lines, vents, cabinets, and contents. Wiping can smear soot and remove clues about how smoke moved.
Do not use a normal vacuum on fine soot
Household vacuums are not a default soot tool. Fine residue can be disturbed, blown around, or driven into materials. If soot is widespread, oily, or on porous surfaces, pause before vacuuming.
Do not paint over smoke stains without checking residue and odor
Paint can make a room look better while odor or staining remains underneath. Before painting, check whether residue is oily, whether odor returns, and whether smoke reached trim, ceilings, cabinets, or nearby rooms.
Do not run HVAC if you suspect soot spread through vents
Residue around registers, returns, or ceiling lines is a reason to stop and think. Running air movement may spread odor or fine particles if the system or air path is involved.
Do not throw away damaged items before photos when safe to document
If it is safe to do so, photograph affected contents before disposal or major movement. Keep notes about what was moved, cleaned, or discarded. Do not delay emergency actions or safety instructions just to take photos.
What to do instead
Document first, identify the residue pattern, separate emergency issues from cleanup issues, and talk with an appropriate professional before major wiping, vacuuming, painting, HVAC use, or disposal decisions.