Yes, an exterminator can go up there and look around. May I suggest that you take a walk outside and walk around your home and see if there is a place one of those critters might get into. Sometimes, it doesn't take much of a hole for them to squeeze thru. At least you would have some idea where he/she was coming in at.
You don't need experience to go up in an attic and look around. If you see insulation mashed down and a foul odor...then you know you've got squatters who aren't suppose to be there. I didn't mean for him to attempt to catch the critter but to just take a peek to see if he saw anything. Leave the catching to the professionals.
You never know, but the smoke from the fire may have caused him/her to start moving around a bit more...you just never know. I think I would call tomorrow morning and see if you can get an exterminator's schedule. This time of year can be busy for them because so many of the critters are looking for a warm place to bed down due to the temps.
Good luck!
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
