Commercial Fire & Smoke Damage Services in Indianapolis

Fast, Reliable Fire & Smoke Restoration for Indy Businesses

You never expect to get a call in the middle of the night about a fire in your commercial property. But if you own or manage a business in Indianapolis, you know that fires don’t discriminate. Whether it’s an older warehouse near the airport or a restaurant in Broad Ripple, fire and smoke damage can throw your operations into chaos. At ServiceMaster Restoration by LS James, we’re local, certified, and experienced in bringing damaged commercial buildings back to life quickly, safely, and professionally.

We understand what’s at stake: your people, your property, and your ability to do business. That’s why our team is on call 24/7 to respond, assess, and start the restoration process right away. When minutes matter, you want a local team that knows Indy buildings and codes inside and out.

Ready to Act Fast?
Call ServiceMaster by LS James now — we’re here 24/7 to restore your business and help you reopen safely.

Understanding the Full Impact of Fire & Smoke on Commercial Structures

Fire doesn’t just scorch surfaces—it creates widespread damage through corrosive smoke, heat distortion, and water from firefighting efforts. In commercial buildings, the scale of damage can be much greater. Steel framing may expand under high heat, ceilings can collapse under the weight of water, and hidden areas like ductwork or plenum spaces trap smoke particles that degrade air quality.

Smoke damage in Indianapolis is especially persistent in summer, when heat and humidity cause smoke particles to absorb deeper into drywall, upholstery, and insulation. Materials like fiberglass ceiling tiles are particularly prone to odor retention and must be replaced rather than cleaned.

We use thermal imaging and soot mapping to identify hidden damage, following strict IICRC S740 standards to restore the space safely and thoroughly. HEPA air scrubbers, hydroxyl generators, and high-efficiency filtration systems are brought in to restore air quality, making the space safe for your staff and customers.

Structural Stability & Fire-Damaged Building Materials

After the fire is out, the real danger may just be beginning. Structural materials compromised by fire and water must be carefully inspected to ensure safety.

In Indy, older commercial buildings may be framed with wood or a combination of wood and steel, and fire can compromise both. For example, balloon-framed structures in historic neighborhoods like Fountain Square allow flames to move quickly through wall cavities. Meanwhile, reinforced concrete and steel may appear intact but could be structurally weakened from extreme heat.

We perform structural assessments using moisture meters and engineering-grade sensors. When water from sprinklers or hoses is absorbed into subfloors, it can cause mold and rot within days. Rapid structural drying with desiccant dehumidifiers and negative air pressure systems is critical to stabilize the building.

Temporary supports are sometimes required before cleanup can begin. Everything we do is designed to make the building safe for your staff, insurance inspectors, and contractors.

Why Smoke Odor Lingers and How We Eliminate It

Smoke odor is more than just unpleasant—it’s a sign of chemical residue. Smoke is made up of tiny particles, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can embed themselves into nearly every porous surface.

If you’re running a business in an area like Irvington or Speedway, your HVAC system might carry smoke odors throughout the building. That’s why we inspect and clean ductwork thoroughly, sealing it when necessary.

Our team uses a mix of activated carbon filtration, thermal fogging, and ozone treatment (when unoccupied) to neutralize odors. In some cases, dry ice blasting is used to clean concrete or masonry without damaging the surface.

We also apply sealing agents to walls, floors, and framing to prevent odors from resurfacing later. Our odor removal process meets EPA air quality recommendations, so you can reopen your business with confidence.

Schedule a Free Assessment Today
Our local experts will inspect your property and create a custom restoration plan — no obligation.

Protecting Business Continuity During Restoration

Time is money, especially after a disaster. Every day your business is closed costs you customers, revenue, and reputation. That’s why we work to minimize downtime.

We create a phased restoration plan that lets you reopen parts of your building while others are being repaired. Temporary containment barriers, filtered negative air zones, and isolated access points allow you to keep some operations running safely.

Whether you run a warehouse off I-465 or a downtown retail space, we coordinate with your insurance adjuster and local inspectors to move things along as efficiently as possible. Inventory, electronics, and important files are documented and salvaged when possible. If you need help relocating temporarily, we can assist with logistics.

Our goal is to get you back to full operations with as little disruption as possible—and we have the tools, experience, and local knowledge to make it happen.

Commercial Code Compliance and Post-Fire Safety

Fires often trigger inspections from local code enforcement and fire marshals. This can delay reopening if not handled correctly. We work closely with Indianapolis inspectors to make sure your property is brought up to code.

That includes checking fire doors, sprinkler systems, egress signage, and emergency lighting. Sometimes, fire damage reveals older, non-compliant construction that must be updated.

We also help businesses navigate re-occupancy requirements, document all repairs, and schedule necessary reinspection's. Whether you're located in the Wholesale District or in Pike Township, we stay on top of zoning and code requirements to ensure a smooth recovery.

Fire damage doesn’t have to mean extended downtime. Call now for 24/7 commercial fire and smoke restoration to get your operations back on track quickly.

Handling Fire-Damaged Electronics, Equipment, and Inventory

Soot can be incredibly corrosive to electronics and sensitive equipment. Even a small amount of smoke residue on a circuit board can destroy a server, POS system, or industrial control unit.

We evaluate all electronics for potential restoration, working with specialized vendors when necessary. Anti-corrosion treatments and specialized vacuums can often save items that appear beyond repair.

In retail and manufacturing businesses, inventory is another concern. We document all losses for insurance, salvage what we can through ultrasonic or chamber cleaning, and handle pack-out services when needed.

When electronics or stock are central to your operations, our technicians treat them like priority assets—not afterthoughts.

Get a fast, personalized recovery plan from professionals who understand your industry and facility needs. We’re ready to guide you every step of the way—call now.

Soot Cleanup & Material-Specific Restoration Techniques

No two fires are alike, and neither are their residues. Soot from burning plastics, paper, or grease all behave differently and require customized cleaning.

In commercial kitchens, protein fires leave behind a nearly invisible, pungent residue that’s tough to remove. In office buildings, synthetic carpet and furniture produce oily soot that smears without proper treatment.

Our technicians are trained in using the right methods for every material. For example, dry cleaning sponges lift soot from painted walls, but soda blasting is better for masonry. Vinyl composite tile (VCT) may look fine but could have underlying glue damage from heat.

We follow IICRC S520 and S760 protocols to ensure that cleaning isn’t just cosmetic—it’s complete.

Working With Professionals: What to Expect from Our Team

At ServiceMaster Restoration by LS James, we take pride in combining technical skill with responsive customer care. Every technician on our team is IICRC-certified and trained in the latest fire restoration techniques.

After your call, we conduct a rapid onsite assessment to document visible damage, identify safety hazards, and develop a restoration plan. We use real-time digital logs to track progress, air quality, moisture levels, and material drying.

You’ll receive daily updates and have a dedicated project manager to coordinate all communication. We’ve restored schools, hotels, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities across Indianapolis and bring local insight to every job.

We understand how local weather, neighborhood codes, and construction styles affect restoration—and we work fast, safely, and smart.

Call Today to Restore Your Commercial Property

If your Indianapolis business is recovering from fire and smoke damage, don’t take chances. The longer residue sits, the more it costs to fix. Call ServiceMaster Restoration by LS James and get expert help from a local team that understands how to restore commercial properties fast and right.

We’ll get your doors open and your team back to work.

FAQs

Q: How long does fire damage restoration usually take for a commercial property?
A: Smaller jobs may take 1–2 weeks, while larger warehouses or office buildings can take a month or longer. We’ll provide a full timeline after your inspection.

Q: Can we stay open during restoration?
A: Sometimes. We use containment and filtration systems to isolate affected areas so your business can stay partially operational, depending on the damage.

Q: Will smoke odor come back?
A: Not with proper treatment. We use advanced deodorization, sealing, and air purification to eliminate odors permanently—not just mask them.

A fast response protects more than just your building—it protects your brand and customers too. Contact us now to start commercial fire and smoke cleanup without delay.