A faulty fog machine sparked a fire inside this Albany Park hookah lounge. The owners called ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, and we responded fast.
We mitigated the fire and smoke damage, coordinated with their insurance provider, and restored the lounge so they could reopen as soon as possible and with minimal business interruption.
What Caused the Fire
The fire started during a weekend event when the lounge used a fog machine to set the atmosphere. The machine, an off-brand unit purchased from an online marketplace, overheated and ignited near the main seating area.
The sprinkler system activated and contained the flames. There was still a lot of soot damage throughout the lounge, and although the sprinkler system contained the fire, it also sent water throughout the space.
Smoke spread quickly across the open-concept space and damaged the upholstery, ceilings, HVAC system, and décor.
How We Restored the Lounge
We arrived on-site within hours of the incident. Our team assessed the fire and water damage, secured the property, and started emergency cleanup.
Main Seating Area
- Removed waterlogged seating, hookahs, and fixtures to prevent mold growth. We cleaned and deodorized salvageable items in our facility.
- Dry sponged all the soot and smoke residue from the exposed brick walls, drywall, ceiling tiles, and all other hard surfaces.
- Removed all the affected drywall that was wet and charred.
- Disinfected and deodorized the entire seating zone using air scrubbers and thermal fogging to remove lingering smoke odors.
- Pulled up vinyl plank flooring that had absorbed water from the sprinklers and dried the subfloor with air movers and dehumidifiers.
Lounge Bar Area
- Removed all the affected drywall that was wet and charred.
- Cleaned and disinfected bar surfaces, shelving, and equipment, including coffee machines and beverage coolers.
- Cleaned the HVAC ductwork and air registers to clear out smoke residue.
- Used chemical sponges and HEPA vacuums to lift fine soot from lighting fixtures, countertops, and glassware.
Back Storage and Office
- Cleared out the inventory exposed to smoke and sprinkler water.
- Checked drywall and subfloors for hidden moisture and cut out saturated wall sections to allow for proper drying.
- Set up two dehumidifiers and three air movers to dry the space and prevent secondary damage.
Electrical and Lighting
- Coordinated with a licensed electrician to inspect all fire-damaged wiring and lighting circuits.
- Replaced outlets and fixtures damaged by smoke and heat, and verified every system was safe before restoring power.
Repairs
We worked with the insurance company to provide a fair repair estimate, and the approval process took a few days.
After coordinating with the customer on finishes, we quickly started working on installing drywall, insulation, flooring, and replacing everything that was removed.
The Outcome
We completed structural drying, drywall removal, odor elimination, and soot removal in under six days.
Once we confirmed moisture levels were within normal ranges, the lounge was ready for cosmetic repairs and new furnishings.
We worked directly with the insurance provider throughout the process and documented the damage to support a smooth claims process.
The business reopened six weeks after the fire.
If You’re Dealing With Fire or Smoke Damage in Your Business
Fire can shut down a commercial property fast, whether you run a lounge, a restaurant, or a retail shop.
If you’re in this situation, here’s what to do:
- Shut off the power immediately and evacuate the building. Electrical systems damaged by heat or water are a serious hazard.
- Document the damage before cleanup starts. Take clear photos of every affected area, especially the fire origin point and any inventory loss, to back up your insurance claim.
- Don’t ignore smoke and soot. Even a small fire can coat ceilings, HVAC systems, and furnishings with corrosive residue that causes long-term damage if left untreated.
- Skip the DIY cleanup. Smoke odor and water damage need specialized equipment and professional techniques to fully clear out.
- Call ServiceMaster by Zaba. Our fire damage restoration team is available 24/7 and handles everything from debris removal and soot cleanup to structural drying so your business can reopen as fast as possible.
