
High-Rise Buildings and Fire Restoration in Chicago, IL

Sam Simon
May 27, 2014ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons | Fire restoration in Chicago, IL and surrounding communities
Throughout the years our country has witnessed many fire and disaster occurrences in high-rise buildings. Thankfully, as we learn from these ordeals and technologies improve, greater precautions and building safety standards have been established. In the unfortunate event a fire occurs in a high-rise building in Evanston, IL,
ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons
can help you through the
fire restoration
process.
Did you know that only four property classes comprise the majority of high-rise fires: office buildings, hotels, apartment buildings, and those facilities that care for the sick? Of these classes, most high-rise fires start no higher than the 6th floor. The only exception is office buildings which have a greater fire risk on the upper floors. The City of Chicago defines a high-rise building as any structure over 80 feet above grade which also has occupancy. Some people may think a mid-level fire would simply be contained in that area. If the ventilation system can be shut down, and fire-safety doors and equipment function properly, some containment is possible.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons
understands the science of fires. It may be obvious that water runs down hill while smoke, soot, and heat rise, but the degree of damage and destruction these elements cause above and below the fire can be astounding.
Whether the water originates from sprinklers or fire hoses, you have a mess to clean up. ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons will take care of the headache of
water damage repair
and
fire restoration
for you, so you can concentrate on your employees and your business. We know that structural and property damage don't end once the fire trucks leaves. Because many flooring and furniture components are synthetic, extreme temperatures can set off chemical reactions that can make your property unsalvageable in a matter of days. That's why, when you call ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons in the Chicago area for
fire damage restoration
, we respond quickly. We know you treasure your valuables. Our expert professionals know how to clean a variety of materials, including marble, porcelain, tile, aluminum, stainless steel, and all sorts of fabrics.
During a high-rise fire, flames, smoke, soot, steam, and airbourne debris will infiltrate up and out of the fire zone. Water flows downwards and transports a highly toxic soup of chemicals everywhere it goes. Air ducts become instant conduits for smoke and water. Elevator and maintenance shafts act as chimneys, allowing grimy water to drain and the filth and stench of smoke and soot to reach far higher then the flames. Smoke billows in voluminous clouds during a fire and permeates everything, while soot and debris cover and coat every surface it contacts.
What a mess, but all is not lost if you
call ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons QUICKLY
. When
fire damage, smoke damage,
and
water damage
are treated and remediated immediately, it's amazing how an object that looks to be an absolute loss can be cleaned, sanitized and deoderized to a like-new condition.
Real life doesn't have to mimic horror movies. If it does, your survival takes priority. After that,
fire restoration
and smoke-damage repair in Evanston can breathe new life into your possessions. Let the responsive professionals at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons be your partner in restoring normalcy to your daily life.
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.
He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.
Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.
In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.
Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile
Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.
Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:
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