Logan Square Fire Restoration: Real Case, Expert Response, and 9 Tips to Prevent Dryer Fires

🚒 Logan Square Fire Damage Restoration: A Cautionary Tale & Prevention Guide

Recently, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons responded to a severe fire damage incident in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The source? A common but dangerous cause: a dryer vent fire caused by excessive lint buildup in a stackable washer and dryer unit. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the resulting smoke and fire damage was extensive and required comprehensive restoration.
Dryer-related fires are one of the leading causes of residential and commercial fires in the Chicago area, especially during winter when dry air increases the likelihood of static and rapid ignition. The Logan Square incident serves as an important reminder that routine maintenance and awareness can prevent major disasters. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is an IICRC-certified provider of comprehensive Fire Damage Restoration services, including:

• Content Cleaning & Packout
• Structural Cleaning
• Laundry and Drycleaning Services
• Smoke & Odor Removal
• Painting and Reconstruction

🔧 What We Did: Professional Fire & Smoke Restoration Services
As the go-to restoration team for Logan Square, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons performed a full range of professional fire and smoke remediation services, including:

• Wall, ceiling, and floor washing to eliminate soot and embedded contaminants
• Content cleaning for soft goods like upholstery, area rugs, curtains, and personal items
• Laundry and dry-cleaning services for affected clothing and textiles
• Duct cleaning to remove soot, ash, and contaminants from the HVAC system
• Air filtration and odor control, including the use of hydroxyl generators and ozone treatments

We worked closely with the property owner and their insurance provider to restore the home quickly and thoroughly, returning the space to a safe and livable condition.

⚡️ The Hidden Threat: Dryer Fires in Chicago Homes
Dryer fires are more common than you might think. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 3,000 dryer fires are reported each year, causing an estimated $35 million in property loss The primary cause? Failure to clean lint filters and dryer ducts.

In a neighborhood like Logan Square—known for its charming vintage buildings and converted multi-family homes—many properties have outdated or inefficient venting systems. This makes them especially vulnerable to dryer fires if not maintained properly.

💡 How to Prevent Dryer Fires: 9 Crucial Tips

1. Clean the Lint Filter After Every Use

This may seem obvious, but it’s the number one defense against dryer fires. Make it a habit to clean out your lint trap before or after every load. Also, clear out the vent pipe regularly. If you’re not sure how, or if it’s difficult to reach, hire a professional duct cleaning company. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons offers duct cleaning services throughout the Chicago area.

2. Install Dryer Vents Properly

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Use straight, short vent pipes when possible. Fewer bends and corners mean fewer places for lint to accumulate. If you have a long-distance vent run, consider installing a dryer vent booster fan to improve airflow and reduce buildup.

3. Keep the Area Around Your Dryer Clean

Store flammable liquids like paint, solvents, or cleaning products far away from your dryer. Regularly sweep up dust and lint from behind and beneath the appliance.

4. Use a Metal Duct, Not Plastic or Foil

Flexible plastic or foil dryer ducts tend to sag and trap lint.

Rigid or semi-rigid metal ducts maintain their shape, improve airflow, and are more likely to contain a fire if one starts.

5. Read Laundry Care Labels

Tumble dry low means exactly that. Overheating fabrics can damage clothing and increase fire risk. Be especially careful with rubber-backed items like bath mats, bras, or bibs—they can ignite at high heat levels.

6. Avoid Machine-Drying Volatile Chemicals

Clothing stained with gasoline, paint thinners, varnishes, or similar chemicals should be line-dried. These materials can spontaneously combust in a hot dryer. Wash these items multiple times and use an air-dry method to stay safe.

7. Pay Attention to Warning Signs

Are your clothes still damp after a full drying cycle? Are they unusually hot to the touch? These are signs that your dryer vent may be clogged. Stop using the dryer and inspect the vent immediately.

8. Never Leave the Dryer Running Unattended

It’s tempting to toss in a load and run errands, but it’s a risky habit. Always stay home while the dryer is running, and turn it off if you need to leave. Likewise, unplug washers and dryers when not in use for extended periods.

9. Inspect Your Outdoor Vent

Make sure the exterior dryer vent isn’t blocked by snow, leaves, or other debris. Check periodically to ensure the flap opens freely and is not obstructed. If you can’t reach it safely, contact an HVAC technician.

🔥 Fire Restoration in Logan Square You Can Count On
As a neighborhood rich in character and architectural beauty, Logan Square deserves careful and professional restoration when disaster strikes. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we provide:

• 24/7 emergency fire damage cleanup
• Smoke odor removal
• Structural and content cleaning
• Insurance claim assistance
• Complete reconstruction services, if needed

With over 30 years of experience in fire and smoke damage restoration, our team understands what it takes to restore both residential and commercial properties quickly and effectively.

🌍 Serving Logan Square & the Greater Chicago Area
We’re proud to serve the Logan Square community as well as surrounding neighborhoods like:

• Humboldt Park
• Bucktown
• Avondale
• Wicker Park
• Lincoln Square
• Albany Park

Our team is IICRC-certified and trained in the latest fire restoration techniques. We’re also a certified minority- and woman-owned business (MBE/WBE), trusted by property managers, insurance carriers, and Chicago homeowners for decades.

📞 Need Help Now?
If you’re facing fire or smoke damage in Logan Square or anywhere in the Chicago area, call the trusted experts at

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons. We’re standing by to respond quickly, minimize damage, and help you restore what matters most.

Call 773-376-1110 or contact us online to get help today.