
Fire Dangers Don’t End When the Flames Are Dowsed — A Cornerstone Guide for Chicago Property Owners

Nasutsa Mabwa
July 3, 2025After the last flame is extinguished, many dangers remain. This guide explores what hazards linger after a fire and why only certified experts should handle post-fire cleanup in Chicagoland.
The Danger Isn't Over When the Flames Are Gone
The fire is out. The fire trucks are gone. But the risk to your health, safety, and property has only just begun. Many Chicago homeowners and property managers are surprised to learn that post-fire environments remain highly dangerous due to the lingering effects of smoke, soot, water, and structural instability.
In this guide, we’ll explain the hidden hazards of post-fire cleanup and why professional restoration is essential for safeguarding your home, your belongings, and your health.
Soot: A Toxic and Invisible Threat
After a fire, soot and ash coat nearly every surface. But this isn’t ordinary dust. Soot is a fine particulate matter laced with toxic substances released from burning synthetic and organic materials.
Common chemicals found in soot include:
- Asbestos fibers (from older building materials)
- Formaldehyde and acrolein (from burned plastics and textiles)
- Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and dioxins (from PVC and other synthetic compounds)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer and respiratory disease Source: EPA
Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable. Even a small amount of exposure can lead to respiratory problems, headaches, skin irritation, and long-term health complications.
Firefighters Face These Dangers — So Do You
A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths due to smoke and soot exposure.
Because of these risks, fire departments now enforce strict decontamination protocols:
- Masks must remain on until away from the scene
- Fire gear is thoroughly washed after every call
- Contaminated gear is no longer worn back at the station
If professionals with decades of training take these steps, homeowners and landlords should exercise even more caution.
Hidden Dangers After a Fire
Post-fire environments are full of hazards beyond smoke and soot. These include:
1. Structural Instability
Water from firefighting efforts saturates drywall, wood framing, and flooring. Combined with heat damage, this weakens support beams and floor joists. Ceilings can collapse. Stairs can give out. A licensed structural evaluation is essential before reentry.
2. Electrical Hazards
Even if power is off, fire can damage wiring behind walls. Water and exposed wires make for a deadly combination. Only certified professionals should inspect or restore electrical systems.
3. Water Damage and Mold
Lingering moisture from suppression efforts creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold can begin forming within 24-48 hours. If left untreated, it leads to indoor air quality issues and hidden damage.
4. Lingering Smoke Odors
Smoke particles embed into porous materials: furniture, drywall, insulation, clothing, and HVAC systems. Without industrial HEPA filtration and ozone treatments, these odors can linger for months.
Why Professional Fire Cleanup Is Non-Negotiable
Trying to clean up after a fire without proper training and equipment puts your health and property at risk.
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons uses:
- Full PPE: Tyvek suits, respirators, gloves, and goggles
- HEPA-filtered air scrubbers
- EPA-approved disinfectants and deodorizers
- Infrared cameras to detect hidden moisture
We follow OSHA, EPA, and IICRC protocols to ensure safe and thorough restoration.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services Include:
- Emergency board-up and tarping
- Water extraction and drying
- Soot and smoke removal
- HVAC cleaning and deodorization
- Contents cleaning and pack-out services
- Mold prevention and remediation
- Full structural repairs
See our full list of services here.
Who We Serve
We proudly serve:
- Homeowners in Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, and the North Shore
- Commercial property managers
- Schools, houses of worship, and public facilities
- Insurance carriers and adjusters
- Real estate professionals and home inspectors
Our locations include:
- Chicago
- Skokie / North Shore
- Deerfield
- Oak Park & River Forest
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean up smoke damage myself?
We don’t recommend it. Without HEPA filters and PPE, you risk spreading soot and breathing in toxins.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Timelines vary depending on severity, but most jobs range from 5 days to 4 weeks.
Is fire damage covered by insurance?
Typically, yes. We work directly with your insurance to manage claims and documentation.
Do you offer emergency response?
Yes. We are available 24/7 for emergency fire and smoke damage cleanup.
Trust the Experts With 40+ Years of Local Experience
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a family-owned, award-winning company with deep roots in the Chicagoland community. We are:
- IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers
- OSHA-Certified Technicians
- Members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- 2020 BBB Torch Award Winners
- Skokie Business of the Year Honorees
We also co-authored the book RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, a must-read for any homeowner facing disaster recovery.
Need Help After a Fire?
Call us at (773) 376-1110 or contact us online to schedule an on-site assessment.
We restore homes. We restore businesses. And we restore peace of mind.
Explore Our Other Services:
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.
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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.

