Ultimate Guide to Fire Damage Restoration in Chicago (2025) — What Homeowners Need to Know

When fire strikes a Chicago home or business, the destruction can feel overwhelming. From smoke-stained walls in Logan Square to soaked basements in Bridgeport, the damage reaches far beyond the flames. If you’re a property owner dealing with fire damage, it’s critical to understand your options—and the steps needed to restore your space safely, completely, and quickly.

With over 40 years of trusted experience in neighborhoods from Lakeview to West Town, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is Chicago’s go-to fire damage restoration partner. This guide will walk you through the entire fire restoration process, explain why expert care is non-negotiable, and show how our IICRC-certified team restores not just buildings—but peace of mind.

Step-by-Step: The Fire Damage Restoration Process

1. Emergency Response & Inspection
   Our team arrives quickly, typically within hours, to assess structural integrity, smoke penetration, and water saturation. We serve every corner of Chicago—from Wicker Park to South Shore—with 24/7 dispatch.
2. Board-Up & Roof Tarping
   To secure your property from weather and theft, we install heavy-duty board-ups and temporary roofing as needed.
3. Water Extraction
   Firefighting efforts often leave standing water. We remove water fast to prevent mold growth and structural rot.
4. Soot & Smoke Removal
   Using HEPA-filtered vacuums and chemical sponges, we remove residue from ceilings, walls, vents, and surfaces.
5. Odor Elimination
   Odors are neutralized using hydroxyl generators and ozone treatments—not just masked.
6. Structural Cleaning
   We clean, dry, and decontaminate building materials to salvage what’s possible and prep for repair or rebuild.

Structural Cleaning: Going Beyond the Surface

Soot and fire residue can embed in wood, concrete, and brick. In historic neighborhoods like Andersonville and Hyde Park, many homes feature original materials that can be restored instead of replaced. Our team carefully tests each surface to determine the best method:

• Media blasting for charred concrete and brick
• Chemical sponges and alkaline cleaners for drywall and wood framing
• Sealing agents to encapsulate lingering odors or residue

Cleaning correctly the first time prevents long-term damage and future odor problems.

HVAC System Smoke Cleaning & Decontamination

If your furnace or central AC system was running during the fire—or if smoke reached your ductwork—your HVAC system must be cleaned. Otherwise, toxic soot can circulate long after restoration.

• Registers and vents are removed and cleaned
• Ductwork is vacuumed with negative air pressure systems
• Coils and blowers are cleaned or replaced
• Air filters are upgraded to HEPA or carbon

According to the EPA, HVAC systems should be inspected and cleaned after fire events to ensure indoor air quality and safety.

Content Cleaning & Pack-Out Services

Fire doesn’t just damage the structure—it affects your belongings. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we offer:

• Hard content cleaning: Electronics, dishes, and furniture using ultrasonic cleaning
• Soft content cleaning: Drapes, bedding, and clothing via Esporta systems
• Ozone & hydroxyl treatment: For smoke odor removal
• Inventory management: Barcoding and photographing each item
• Climate-controlled storage: While restoration is in progress

Once your home is ready, we return your cleaned items and assist with reinstallation.

Common Fire Risks in Chicago Homes

Chicago’s rich housing stock comes with unique risks:

• Dryer Fires: Often caused by lint buildup. Common in 2-flats and walk-ups across Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and Albany Park.
• Grease Fires: Frequent in older kitchens, especially in vintage homes of West Ridge and Portage Park.
• Electrical Fires: Common in Gold Coast and South Loop high-rises with aging wiring.
• Candle Fires: A known risk in high-density areas like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Uptown.
• Space Heater Fires: Especially dangerous in the winter months—common throughout Rogers Park and Edgewater.

Neighborhoods We Serve Across Chicago

We’re proud to serve homes and businesses in:

• Lakeview, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, Gold Coast
• West Town, Ukrainian Village, Old Town, South Loop, Bridgeport
• Andersonville, Lincoln Square, North Center, Roscoe Village
• Edgewater, Rogers Park, West Ridge, Beverly, Garfield Ridge

And many more.

Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?

• 40+ Years of Local Service in the Chicago Metro area
• IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers — the industry’s highest certification
• RIA Member — committed to restoration best practices
• Award-Winning Service: BBB Torch Award, SB100 Small Business, Chicago Star Award
• Emergency Response Teams Available 24/7

Verify our certifications here: https://iicrc.org/certifiedfirmverification/
Learn more about our industry standards: https://restorationindustry.org/

Fire Restoration FAQs

How long does fire restoration take?
Every case is different, but most jobs range from several days to multiple weeks depending on the extent of damage.

Can you remove smoke odors from furniture?
Yes. Our ozone and hydroxyl treatments eliminate odors from soft and hard goods.

Do you work with insurance?
Yes, we coordinate with your adjuster and help document all losses for a smoother claim process.

Do I have to throw everything away?
Not always. Many items can be restored, even if they seem heavily damaged.

What is a pack-out?
It’s when we safely remove, clean, and store your belongings offsite while your home is being restored.

Ready for Help? Call Chicago’s Fire Restoration Experts

If you’ve experienced fire or smoke damage, don’t wait. The longer soot and water sit, the worse the damage becomes. Our team is standing by to help.

📞 Call (773) 376-1110 for immediate service 24/7.
📍 Serving the entire city of Chicago from one trusted, local team.

Learn more: https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/fire

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a woman-owned, family-operated disaster restoration firm serving Chicago, the North Shore, and surrounding suburbs. Led by husband-and-wife team Sam Simon and Nasutsa Mabwa, our company brings over 40 years of experience in structural drying, fire and smoke restoration, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning.

Sam Simon, an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, is also a published author and former videographer whose creative expertise enhances our client education and marketing efforts. Nasutsa Mabwa, CEO and co-owner, holds an advanced degree in urban planning and has earned multiple leadership awards for her role in expanding and managing ServiceMaster operations.

Our team is proud to serve Chicagoland with integrity, professionalism, and deep community roots. Learn more about our story at: https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/about-us