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

Nasutsa Mabwa
July 9, 2025Restaurant 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
- Commercial Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
- Commercial Water & Flood Cleanup
- Mold Remediation
- Odor Removal
- Specialty Cleaning Services
🕐 Available 24/7 — Schedule your free inspection today.
Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a nationally recognized, award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.
A respected business and civic leader, Nasutsa has received numerous honors for her contributions to the industry and her community. Her accolades include:
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies - 2025 recipient
- Top 100 Women to KNOW in America (2024) by KNOW Women & JPMorgan Chase
- Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40
- SB100 Best of Small Business Award
- 2020 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
- Stevie® Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award
- 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award
She is IICRC-certified in both Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), combining technical expertise with visionary leadership. Nasutsa holds a Master’s in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA in Real Estate Development from Roosevelt University.
Beyond her business achievements, Nasutsa is an active community advocate. She is a Board Member of the Civic Federation, an Advisory Board Member, and Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is also a long-standing member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO).
She is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, an essential guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water and fire disasters.
Subscribe
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.
Restoration and Recovery Tips
Get Help Now
Flooded basement? Burst pipe? Don’t wait—water damage spreads fast. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency water damage cleanup for Chicagoland and North Shore homes. With 40+ years of local expertise and IICRC-certified crews, we’ll protect your property and start the restoration immediately.

