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

Nasutsa Mabwa

July 3, 2025

After 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 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.