Introduction
A house fire is every homeowner’s nightmare. Whether minor smoke damage or a full structural blaze, fire leaves behind destruction far beyond what the eye can see. For Chicago homeowners, fast, expert fire damage restoration is critical — not only for your property’s recovery but for your family’s health and safety.
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve helped thousands of Chicago and North Shore families recover after fire disasters. This guide explains everything you need to know — from hidden risks to full restoration — so you can rebuild with confidence.
Understanding Fire Damage: More Than Charred Walls
Most people think of fire damage as burned furniture, blackened walls, and melted appliances. But real fire restoration is far more complex.
When a fire occurs, your home faces:
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Thermal Damage: Direct flame damage and extreme heat weaken structures.
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Smoke Damage: Microscopic soot particles infiltrate walls, ceilings, HVAC systems, and personal belongings.
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Chemical Residues: Toxic residues from burned plastics, foams, and synthetic materials pose health hazards.
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Water Damage: Firefighting efforts saturate homes, creating secondary damage if not dried immediately.
A professional restoration company addresses all these layers — not just visible burns.
Common Types of Fire Damage in Chicago Homes
Every fire is different. In the Chicago metro area, we see these frequent causes:
| Type of Fire | Common Causes |
|---|---|
| Electrical Fires | Old wiring, overloaded circuits, faulty appliances |
| Kitchen Fires | Grease fires, unattended stoves, oven malfunctions |
| HVAC Fires | Malfunctioning furnaces, dirty vents, improper installations |
| Lightning Strikes | Summer thunderstorms igniting roofs and attics |
| Candle Fires | Tipped-over candles near flammable materials |
| Dryer Vent Fires | Lint buildup in dryer ducts igniting from heat |
Chicago’s older housing stock, especially in Evanston, Wilmette, and Lake Forest, makes proactive fire safety even more critical.
The First 24 Hours After a Fire: What Homeowners Should Do
The first 24 hours are crucial for mitigating further damage. Here’s a step-by-step checklist:
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Ensure Safety First
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Do not re-enter your home until the fire department clears it.
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Watch for structural hazards like sagging floors or ceilings.
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Contact Your Insurance Company
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Open a claim immediately.
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Document all visible damage with photos and videos.
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Call a Professional Fire Restoration Company
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ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons offers 24/7 emergency response.
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The sooner mitigation begins, the less costly the recovery.
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Secure the Property
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Board up broken windows and doors.
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Tarp damaged roofs to prevent rain intrusion.
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Retrieve Essential Belongings
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Only if safe, gather important documents, medication, valuables.
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Delaying restoration even 48 hours after a fire can dramatically increase damage costs.
The Fire Damage Restoration Process Explained
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we follow a detailed, science-backed restoration process:
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Inspection & Assessment | Identify fire, smoke, water, and structural damage |
| Emergency Board-Up & Roof Tarping | Secure the building from further exposure |
| Water Removal & Drying | Extract standing water and dehumidify walls, floors, and furniture |
| Smoke and Soot Removal | Specialized equipment removes microscopic soot particles |
| Content Cleaning & Restoration | Salvageable belongings are cleaned, deodorized, and restored |
| Structural Cleaning & Deodorization | Ceilings, walls, floors professionally cleaned |
| Reconstruction | Repair or rebuild damaged structures (framing, drywall, flooring) |
We use industrial-grade air scrubbers, hydroxyl generators, thermal fogging, and ozone treatments to neutralize fire odors at their molecular level.
Risks of DIY Fire Damage Cleanup
DIY fire cleanup often worsens the situation. Here’s why:
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Hidden Smoke Damage: Soot particles embed deep into materials, remaining invisible.
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Health Risks: Inhaling burned plastics or asbestos-laden soot can cause serious respiratory issues (EPA Source).
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Structural Safety Issues: Water-weakened beams and floor joists may collapse without warning.
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Insurance Problems: DIY attempts may void coverage if restoration isn’t handled professionally.
Using household cleaners on fire damage can permanently set soot into materials, making full restoration impossible.
Why Professional Fire Damage Restoration is Critical
Hiring a certified restoration firm like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons means:
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Expertise: IICRC-Certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians on every project
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Specialized Equipment: Commercial-grade tools unavailable to the public
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Documentation for Insurance: Detailed inventories, photos, and moisture readings for smooth claim processing
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Faster Recovery: Immediate mitigation minimizes secondary damage and emotional stress
It’s not just cleanup — it’s scientific property recovery.
Fire Damage Restoration Costs in Chicago
Fire restoration costs vary depending on the severity of the fire, size of the home, and necessary reconstruction.
| Damage Level | Estimated Costs (Chicago Avg.) |
|---|---|
| Small, Isolated Fire (e.g., kitchen stove fire) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Moderate Fire + Smoke Damage (multiple rooms) | $12,000 – $35,000 |
| Extensive Fire + Structural Reconstruction | $40,000 – $100,000+ |
The faster you act after a fire, the more costs you can control by limiting additional water, smoke, and mold damage.
Source: FEMA, NFPA, and Chicago restoration cost averages (2025 data).
Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?
Experience:
30+ years of professional restoration across Chicago and the North Shore.
Certifications:
IICRC Certified Master Fire & Smoke Restorer, Water Damage Restoration Technician, Odor Control Specialist.
Awards:
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2024 Chicago Star Award
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SB100 Best Small Business Award
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BBB Torch Award for Ethics
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Stevie® Business Excellence Award
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Skokie Business of the Year (Honorable Mention)
Local Focus:
Serving Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and surrounding areas, including Lake County, Cook County and DuPage County.
Emergency Response:
Available 24/7 — just one call away at (773) 376-1110.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Damage Restoration
Q: How long does fire damage restoration take?
A: Small fires may take 3–5 days; major structural restorations can take weeks depending on rebuild needs.
Q: Can you save belongings after a fire?
A: Many items can be salvaged with specialized cleaning techniques — including furniture, electronics, documents, and heirlooms.
Q: Will my insurance cover the fire restoration process?
A: Most homeowners policies cover fire damage. We work directly with insurance companies to simplify your claims process.
Conclusion
Recovering after a fire is overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is proud to be Chicago’s trusted partner for full-service fire, smoke, and water damage recovery.
If you’ve experienced a fire — even a small one — don’t delay.
Act fast.
Protect your health.
Save your home.
Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons today at (773) 376-1110 or contact us here.
We’re standing by 24/7 to help you rebuild.