Commercial Fire Damage 101: What do I do if there's a fire in my restaurant?

Nasutsa Mabwa

July 9, 2025

Restaurant fires can happen fast. Know what to do before and after the flames are out. This guide explains fire risks, recovery steps, and how ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons helps Chicago restaurants get back in business fast.

Fires in Chicago Restaurants: A Real Threat

Every 24 seconds, a fire department in the U.S. responds to a fire. For restaurants, the risk is especially high due to kitchen equipment, open flames, and long hours of operation.

Between 2010–2014 alone, over 7,400 restaurant fires were reported. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

Most restaurant fires start in the kitchen
Cooking equipment is the #1 cause
Other sources include faulty wiring and heating elements

Step-by-Step: What to Do If There’s a Fire in Your Restaurant

Act fast but stay calm.
If the fire is small and manageable, use a fire extinguisher — but only if you feel safe doing so.
Never move a burning pan. Cover it with a lid to suffocate flames.
Cut off heat sources if safely possible.
Alert everyone in the building and evacuate immediately.
Use low escape routes to avoid smoke inhalation.
Don’t re-enter the building.
Call 911 and report if anyone is still inside.
Once safe, document damage with photos and video.

What to Do After the Fire Department Leaves

After extinguishing the flames, the damage is far from over. Smoke, soot, and water can continue damaging your property.

That’s where we come in.

Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately. We provide full-service fire damage restoration for restaurants across Chicago and the North Shore.

Why Choose Us for Commercial Fire Restoration?

Certified in Fire, Smoke & Odor Removal
Experienced with Commercial Kitchens & Building Codes
We coordinate directly with your insurance provider
Available 24/7 for emergency service

We understand restaurant operations and will work around your hours to minimize disruption.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Process for Restaurants

Structural Cleaning

Soot removal from walls, ceilings, floors, and windows
Detergent-based cleaning of baseboards and molding
HVAC duct cleaning and odor neutralization

Content Cleaning

Upholstery, drapes, and textile restoration
Appliance and electronics cleaning
Document drying and recovery
Art and furnishings restoration

Equipment We Use

Air Scrubbers (HEPA) — removes smoke particles from the air
Thermal Foggers — neutralizes odors with deep-penetrating deodorizers
Ozone Generators — oxidizes and removes lingering smells
OdorKlenz Air Systems — people- and pet-safe technology to purify indoor air

Fire Prevention Tips for Restaurant Owners

Designate a Fire Safety Officer to oversee protocols and escape planning
Create a smoking policy and keep outdoor areas clear of combustibles
Inspect all wiring and outlets regularly
Clean grease traps and hoods daily
Install non-combustible grease filters
Ensure proper kitchen ventilation
Replace or service extinguishers monthly
Test smoke alarms every 30 days
Keep fire code compliance up to date

What Will It Cost?

Restoration costs vary depending on the extent of the damage and your insurance policy. But there’s good news:

We’re a Quality Restoration Vendor (QRV) with direct pipelines to major insurers:

State Farm
Allstate
Liberty Mutual
Travelers
USAA
Farmers
Erie
And many more

We handle the paperwork. You get peace of mind.

Service Areas

We serve:

Chicago (Downtown, West Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park)
North Shore (Evanston, Wilmette, Highland Park, Glencoe)
Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Glenview, and DuPage County

Contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Call us 24/7 at (773) 376-1110
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com

About Us

Founded in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest restoration brand. Our Chicago franchise has over 40 years of experience helping local businesses recover from disaster.

Led by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, our team combines compassion, speed, and technical expertise.

We’re proud to be:

IICRC Certified
OSHA Trained
MBE/WBE Certified
BBB Torch Award Winner

Trust us to protect your business, employees, and future.

Services We Offer

🕐 Available 24/7 — Schedule your free inspection today.

servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.