An attic fire can break out with little warning and quickly cause serious damage to your home and everything inside it.
Around 10,000 attic fires happen each year in the U.S., causing dozens of deaths and nearly half a billion dollars in damage.
Here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we’ve been helping Chicago homeowners recover from fire damage for years, so we understand how overwhelming and stressful this kind of disaster can be.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after an attic fire—how to stay safe, protect your property, and begin the restoration process with confidence.
Key Takeaways
Your safety comes first—don’t re-enter your home until officials say it’s safe.
Contact your insurance provider and ServiceMaster Restoration by Zabaright away: (773) 647-1985
The fire damage restoration process involves securing your attic, removing debris, drying out wet materials, eliminating smoke and soot, and reconstruction.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Fire
After an attic fire, it’s tempting to want to check things out and start cleaning up. But the most important thing you can do at the moment is to focus on safety.
Get everyone out of the house immediately. Even a small fire in the attic can spread faster than you think.
Call 911 if you haven’t already. Let firefighters handle the flames—don’t try to put it out yourself.
Wait for the all-clear from fire officials before going back inside. Even after the fire is out, your attic and roof may be unstable.
What to Do After the Attic Fire
Once the immediate danger has passed, and you’re allowed back inside, it’s time to take steps to assess the damage and restore your property.
Here’s where to begin:
1. Assess the Damage
Take a walk around the outside of your house first and look for obvious signs of damage—burned areas on the roof, smoke stains near vents, or blown-out windows.
If it’s safe to go inside, bring your phone and start taking photos and videos of everything.
Focus especially on:
This documentation is important for your insurance claim—and helpful for your restoration team, too.
2. Call Your Insurance Provider
Reach out to your insurer as soon as possible to report the fire and start the claims process.
Let them know you’ve taken photos and ask what additional documentation they might need.
They may also offer temporary housing assistance while repairs are underway.
Tip: Keep track of every phone call, email, or conversation you have with your insurance provider—dates, times, names, and what was discussed.
3. Contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba
This is where things can start to feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone.
A professional fire damage restoration company like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba can guide you through everything from cleanup to repairs.
Also, we will assist with filing your fire damage insurance claim.
The sooner you bring in our team, the more damage you can prevent—and the faster you’ll be able to move forward.
4. Start the Cleanup and Rebuilding Process
Once the fire is out and your property has been assessed, we get to work right away.
Here’s what you can expect:
Smoke and soot removal: We use advanced cleaning techniques and professional-grade equipment to remove soot and smoke residue from every surface, including beams, walls, and insulation.
Odor elimination: Lingering smoke odors can be tough to eliminate, but our team uses specialized deodorizing methods—like ozone treatments and thermal fogging—to neutralize odors at the source.
Water extraction and drying: If water was used to put out the fire, we’ll bring in powerful air movers and dehumidifiers to fully dry the space and prevent water damage.
Debris and material removal: We’ll safely remove and dispose of all damaged materials, from charred wood and drywall to ruined personal items.
Insulation replacement: Fire-damaged or waterlogged insulation will be replaced with clean, efficient materials to restore safety and energy performance.
Structural repairs: If your attic’s structure has been compromised, we’ll handle repairs or replacements for rafters, beams, roof decking, and more—always up to code.
Electrical inspections and rewiring: We coordinate with licensed electricians to ensure all wiring is safe, up-to-date, and functioning properly.
Complete reconstruction and finishing touches: Whether you need drywall, flooring, painting, or attic storage rebuilt, we’ll restore your attic to its pre-fire condition—or better.
We’ll walk you through every step of the process, keep you informed with regular updates, and work with your insurance provider to make things as seamless as possible.
Dealing With the Aftermath of Attic Fire in Chicago or Suburbs? We Can Help.
An attic fire is scary, stressful, and messy—but you’re not in this alone. With fast action and the right team on your side, you can restore your home and your peace of mind.
We’re trusted by homeowners and business owners across Chicago for expert fire damage cleanup, repair, and full restoration. We’ll handle the damage so you can focus on moving forward.
Don’t try to manage it all by yourself. We’re here for you 24/7. Call ServiceMaster by Zaba for expert home fire damage cleanup and restoration:
FAQs
What typically causes attic fires in Chicago homes?
Attic fires can start for several reasons, many of which involve hidden hazards that go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Common causes include:
Can I clean up attic fire damage myself?
While it may be tempting to handle the cleanup on your own, attic fire damage often involves hidden structural issues, smoke residue, and water damage that can quickly lead to mold.
DIY cleanup can be risky and incomplete. It’s best to call in professionals like ServiceMaster by Zaba, who have the tools, training, and safety gear to do the job thoroughly and safely.
Are attic fires dangerous?
Yes—attic fires can be extremely dangerous. Because they often go unnoticed at first, they can spread quickly through the roof and upper floors.
The heat and smoke can compromise your home’s structure, and the damage caused by firefighting efforts (like water and debris) can make things worse.
Fast action is essential to protect your home and your health.
How can I prevent an attic fire in my home?
Preventing attic fires starts with regular maintenance and being proactive about safety. Here are a few key steps you can take:
Schedule routine electrical inspections, especially in older homes.
Replace or repair damaged wiring and outlets in the attic.
Avoid overloading attic outlets or running multiple appliances from one circuit.
Check and clean exhaust fans regularly to prevent overheating.
Install smoke detectors in or near the attic and test them monthly.
Keep the attic well-ventilated to prevent heat buildup.
Avoid storing flammable materials like paint, gasoline, or oily rags in the attic.
Seal any openings where rodents could enter and chew through wires.
By staying on top of these tasks, you can significantly reduce the risk of an attic fire in your home.
