Chicago Fire Damage Restoration — 24/7 Emergency Cleanup & Recovery

Fire damage restoration is not simply “cleaning up” after a fire. It is a technical recovery process that addresses damage caused by flames, heat, smoke, soot, and the water or suppression agents used during extinguishing efforts. Every layer of a building—from wall assemblies and insulation to electrical systems, flooring, and HVAC ductwork—can be affected in ways that are not immediately visible.

Because smoke residue is acidic, carcinogenic, and easily spread, and because structural components can be weakened even when surfaces appear intact, fire restoration must be approached with scientific rigor, proper containment, and specialized equipment.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons – Chicago, all fire recovery work is performed under the guidance of an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and RIA-aligned restoration professionals. Our process follows the industry’s highest technical standards, including the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration.

Why Homeowners, Painters, and General Contractors Often Make Fire Damage Worse

Attempting to wipe, wash, paint over, or “seal” fire-affected areas without proper method and containment can:

• Set soot permanently into surfaces, making staining irreversible
• Lock smoke odor into walls and structural cavities, causing odor to return weeks or months later
• Spread contamination through your HVAC system, affecting untouched rooms
• Cause corrosion to metal fixtures and electronics, leading to delayed failure
• Create long-term indoor air quality and respiratory risks, especially for children and older adults

Fire damage restoration is both a structural safety issue and a health protection issue. Professional intervention ensures the building is cleaned to an occupancy-safe condition, that odors are removed at the molecular level, and that repairs are completed correctly—not just cosmetically.

Fire damage does not stop when the flames are extinguished. Smoke residue remains chemically active, water from firefighting efforts begins absorbing into building materials, and exposed structural areas can allow weather and intrusion. The first 24–48 hours are critical to preventing additional damage, contamination, and long-term structural impact.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons – Chicago, we provide immediate, local emergency response from our centrally located Chicago operations—no call centers, no subcontracted crews, no delays. When you call, our certified team is already in the city and ready to mobilize.

24/7 Emergency Response

Fires don’t follow business hours—and neither do we.
Our Chicago dispatch and IICRC-Certified restoration team are available day or night, weekends and holidays, with rapid mobilization across all north, northwest, and central Chicago neighborhoods.

On-Site Damage Assessment

Upon arrival, we perform a structured, safety-driven evaluation of:

• Structural integrity and load-bearing risk
• Smoke, soot, and heat migration patterns
• Water and suppression agent damage
• Air quality conditions, including HVAC system spread

This approach supports a precise and evidence-based restoration plan—not guesswork, assumptions, or cosmetic cover-ups.

Property Securing & Loss Prevention

To stop damage from compounding and protect what remains, we provide:

• Board-Up Services for doors, windows, and structure breaches
• Roof Tarping & Weatherproofing for exposed roofing assemblies
• Temporary Structural Stabilization where needed
• Containment & Isolation Barriers to prevent cross-contamination of clean areas

These steps protect recoverable materials, reduce replacement cost, and stabilize the site for safe restoration and rebuild.

In many Chicago fire losses, the water and suppression agents used to put out the fire cause just as much—if not more—damage than the flames themselves. Water moves quickly through a structure, infiltrating wall assemblies, subfloors, insulation, electrical runs, mechanical chases, and structural framing.

If moisture is not removed and stabilized immediately, it can result in:

• Structural wood swelling, warping, or separation
• Damage to doors, trim, millwork, and cabinetry
• Bacterial contamination and indoor air quality hazards
• Mold growth within 24–72 hours

Water mitigation begins the same day we are onsite. Delaying it increases the scope of loss and cost of restoration.

Rapid Water Extraction

We remove standing water using high-capacity extraction systems designed for structural environments—not consumer shop-vacs. This prevents moisture from continuing to wick into materials that are still salvageable.

Controlled Structural Drying

We develop a moisture-mapping plan using:

• Infrared thermal imaging cameras
• Pin and pinless moisture meters
• Hygrometers and vapor pressure analysis

Drying equipment (LGR or desiccant dehumidifiers and directional air movers) is placed based on measured data, not guesswork. When needed, cavity drying systems address moisture inside walls and subfloor layers—not just surface level.

This ensures we are drying the structure completely, not merely blowing air around the room.

Preventing Mold Growth & Microbial Spread

Chicago’s building stock—two-flats, courtyard buildings, loft conversions, masonry and plaster construction—often traps moisture inside wall systems. To prevent mold colonization, we:

• Remove or dry affected insulation
• Perform targeted, not wholesale, demolition (controlled removal)
• Apply EPA-registered antimicrobial agents
• Restore humidity and vapor pressure to safe parameters

Industry Standard Compliance

Our water mitigation process follows the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration, and integrates with the S700 Standard for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration to ensure the structure is:

• Dry
• Clean
• Safe
• Ready for soot removal and rebuild

No phase of fire recovery can be done correctly until water and moisture are fully stabilized.

Smoke and soot are more than stains and odor—they are acidic, corrosive, and easily absorbed into building materials. If not treated correctly, they can discolor painted surfaces, damage metal fixtures and electronics, and leave behind odors that persist for months.

Our IICRC-Certified fire restoration team in Chicago uses material-specific cleaning and controlled containment to remove soot safely and prevent cross-contamination into unaffected areas. We don’t smear, seal over, or mask odors—we neutralize contamination at its source.

Surface-Appropriate Soot & Residue Removal

Different surfaces hold soot differently. The wrong technique can drive soot deeper and permanently lock in damage. Our process is guided by surface chemistry, porosity, and pH, not one-step cleaning.

We use:

• Dry Soot Sponges to lift residue from walls, ceilings, and trim without smearing
• HEPA Vacuum Systems to remove fine particulate and prevent re-aerosolization
• Targeted Cleaning Solutions calibrated for plaster, drywall, masonry, wood, stone, metals, and textiles
• HVAC System Isolation & Cleaning to prevent soot from circulating through ductwork

This prevents staining, corrosion, and odor absorption before restoration even begins.

Professional Odor Neutralization (Not Covering or Masking)

Smoke odor persists because microscopic smoke molecules remain embedded inside structural materials.
We eliminate odor at the molecular and vapor-phase level using:

• Thermal Fogging to penetrate the same micro-pathways smoke traveled through
• Hydroxyl Generators for safe deodorization in occupied spaces
• Ozone Treatment (used selectively) for complete odor breakdown in unoccupied spaces

The result: permanent odor removal, not temporary fragrance.

Re-Priming, Repainting & Finishing — The Clean, Final Surface

Once soot and odor treatment is complete, surfaces often require restoration-grade refinishing:

• Smoke-Odor Blocking Primers to seal any remaining molecular residue
• Finish Coats Matched to Original or Updated Spec (color + sheen matched precisely)
• Trim, Doors & Millwork Restoration where heat or chemical etching has altered finish integrity

This ensures no bleed-through, no yellowing, and no returning smoke odor—even in seasonal humidity swings common in Chicago buildings.

A fire affects more than the structure—it affects the belongings that hold personal meaning. Our Chicago contents restoration team focuses first on what can be recovered, not simply replaced. We treat every item with professional care, technical precision, and respect for its personal value.

Pack-Out, Documentation & Chain of Custody

We begin with a methodical and documented pack-out, preserving both organization and insurance clarity:

• Photographing and cataloging every recoverable item
• Creating a digital inventory for claim documentation
• Carefully packing, labeling, and transporting items
• Securing them in our climate-controlled Chicago contents facility

This ensures full chain-of-custody, accountability, and peace of mind throughout the process.

Specialized Cleaning & Restoration Based on Material Type

Upholstery, Textiles & Soft Goods

To remove embedded soot and odor, we use:

• HEPA-filtration extraction for particulate removal
• Fabric-safe washing and rinse cycles
• Hydroxyl or ozone deodorization when indicated by material type

This helps restore items many families assume are unsalvageable.

Wood Furniture & Millwork

Heat and soot can dull or etch wood finishes. We restore with:

• Detailed dry removal and soot lifting
• Wood-safe cleaning and conditioning agents
• Refinishing or touch-up repair if needed

Electronics

Soot inside electronics can cause corrosion and failure over time.
We:

• Safely de-energize and inspect devices
• Remove particulate contamination
• Coordinate specialized electronics recovery partners when appropriate

Documents, Photos & Archival Items

Delicate items can often be saved through:

• Freeze-drying stabilization
• Deacidification and odor reduction
• Digital preservation when items are too fragile to restore fully

Rugs & Specialty Textiles

We restore area rugs, heirloom textiles, and woven goods with:

• Submersion or low-moisture washing (based on fiber and dye stability)
• Controlled drying in a temperature-regulated environment
• Odor neutralization and fiber conditioning

Secure Storage & Organized Return

Once restored, items are:

• Stored in individually labeled storage vaults
• Maintained in a climate-controlled environment
• Held until the property is fully repaired and safe for move-back

When the home is ready, we handle:

• Delivery and unpacking
• Placement back into the home
• Final walkthrough to ensure accuracy

Your belongings return clean, deodorized, and ready to live with again.

After the property has been stabilized, dried, and cleared of smoke and soot residue, the focus shifts to rebuilding the structure itself. This phase restores the home or building to full safety, function, and comfort—not just surface-level cleaning. Our goal is to ensure your property is not only habitable, but fully repaired and truly restored.

Structural Cleaning to Remove Contamination

We clean and decontaminate the building at the material level, addressing soot and smoke residue inside and on:

• Walls, ceilings, and architectural detail (plaster and drywall)
• Trim, cabinetry, and interior millwork
• Flooring and structural subfloor layers
• Masonry, stone, and brick surfaces
• HVAC systems and ductwork to prevent soot redistribution

Where appropriate, we apply odor-blocking primers and restoration-grade smoke sealers to ensure no staining, bleed-through, or odor return—even during seasonal humidity shifts common in Chicago buildings.

Selective Repair & Reconstruction — Based on Actual Damage

If fire, smoke, heat, or water compromised any structural or finish components, our licensed restoration and reconstruction team performs targeted repairs or full rebuilds as needed. This may include:

• Drywall or plaster replacement and finishing
• Flooring repair or replacement (engineered, hardwood, tile, or carpet)
• Cabinetry, trim, and millwork restoration or rebuild
• Roofing and structural framing repairs
• Interior painting, finishing, and detail restoration

Your project is managed start to finish by one coordinated team—one timeline, one point of communication, one accountable party.

No juggling multiple contractors.
No delays.
No surprises.

Restored to “Better Than Before”

Throughout reconstruction, we work with you to:

• Match original materials and finishes, or
• Update the space with improved layouts, fixtures, surfaces, or design choices if desired

The result is a home or business that is:

• Structurally sound
• Clean and healthy
• Comfortable to return to
• And often better than it was before the fire

After a fire, recovery is not just about cleaning what you can see — it’s about addressing hidden structural damage, corrosive soot residue, contaminated air pathways, and water intrusion from fire suppression. The company you choose determines whether your property is fully restored, or left with trapped odors, structural instability, and long-term indoor air quality risks.

You need a team that understands both the science of restoration and the human impact of loss.

Certified Leadership & Proven Technical Expertise

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is led by an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, the highest certification level in the restoration industry. Our Chicago fire recovery team trains under the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and follows the ANSI/IICRC S700 and S500 standards — the nationally recognized frameworks for correct fire and water damage restoration.

This means your restoration is guided by science, documentation, and industry best practice — not guesswork.

Deep Knowledge of Chicago Building Construction

Fire behaves differently depending on construction type — and Chicago has one of the most diverse housing and commercial building stocks in the country.

We routinely restore:

• Chicago two-flats & three-flats
• Greystones and historic brick homes
• Vintage courtyard buildings and loft conversions
• Mid-rise and high-rise residential units
• Commercial, mixed-use, and institutional buildings

We understand how masonry cavities, plaster, lath, HVAC risers, elevator shafts, and shared walls influence smoke migration, soot deposition, and water intrusion — so restoration is performed correctly the first time.

Advanced Smoke, Odor & Structural Recovery Technologies

We use restoration-grade equipment and containment methods to stop ongoing damage and remove contamination at the molecular level:

• HEPA negative air & sealed containment zones
• Hydroxyl generators for safe, in-place deodorization
• Thermal fogging to penetrate concealed cavities
• Ozone treatment when appropriate in unoccupied areas
• Desiccant and LGR dehumidification for structural drying
• Infrared and moisture mapping to trace hidden dampness

This ensures the building is not only clean and odor-free, but also healthy and safe to reoccupy.

Insurance Coordination & Documentation

Insurance can be one of the most overwhelming parts of fire recovery. We handle the administrative and technical documentation so you don’t have to:

• Photographic and moisture/soot mapping documentation
• Digital contents inventory and valuation support
• Direct communication with your insurance adjuster
• Scope-of-loss, mitigation, and reconstruction estimates
• Progress updates and transparent reporting

Our responsibility is to protect the integrity of your restoration, not the carrier’s cost-reduction objectives.

“Our work is not just restoring property — it is restoring safety, stability, and dignity. We meet every fire loss in Chicago with urgency, expertise, and respect.”
— Nasutsa Mabwa, CEO, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

When you choose us, you're choosing a Chicago-based restoration partner with deep roots in the communities we serve. We combine 40+ years of local experience, industry-leading IICRC Master certification, and a fast, local 24/7 response to restore your home or business safely, thoroughly, and with care.

40+ YEARS OF LOCAL RESTORATION EXPERTISE

We’ve served Chicago for over four decades, restoring homes and businesses with IICRC Master-level leadership, RIA-backed standards, and proven, professional care. Our work is rooted in local knowledge, technical precision, and a commitment to protecting our city’s homes and communities.

WOMAN-OWNED, AWARD-WINNING, COMMUNITY-ROOTED

Led by CEO Nasutsa Mabwa and Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, our Chicago-based team is recognized for excellence, transparency, and compassionate customer care. We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve and committed to restoring safety, stability, and peace of mind after a fire.

MASTER FIRE & WATER RESTORER ON EVERY PROJECT

Leadership matters. Your restoration is overseen by an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, ensuring your home is restored correctly, safely, and fully.

RESTORATION & RECONSTRUCTION UNDER ONE TEAM

From emergency mitigation to full structural reconstruction, our Chicago team manages the entire recovery process under one coordinated project lead — no subcontractor shuffle, no miscommunication, no delays. One team, one timeline, one accountable partner from start to finish.

IICRC & RIA MEMBER – ETHICAL, STANDARD-DRIVEN RESTORATION

We adhere to the ANSI/IICRC S700 (Fire & Smoke) and S500 (Water Damage) standards, ensuring every Chicago fire restoration project is performed correctly, safely, and with documented technical precision. Our work isn’t based on shortcuts or quick cosmetic fixes — it’s guided by nationally recognized best practices.

Your actions in the hours following a fire have a direct impact on safety, structural stability, and the success of the restoration process. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises caution, controlled re-entry, and documentation—not cleanup attempts.
Follow these guidelines to protect your health and prevent further damage.