Wildfires in 12 States Threaten Properties and Pose Soot Contamination Problems

EMSL Analytical offers testing solutions for all types of properties for smoke and soot damage from fires.

Cinnaminson, NJ

According to a CNN report, a dozen states are currently battling wildfires. Thousands of people have been evacuated over the past few weeks and numerous structures have succumbed to flames. Tragically this week, two firefighters were killed in Florida when they were unable to outrun oncoming flames.

In total, 53 uncontained major wildfires are currently burning from Alaska to Florida. The total consumed area is reported by CNN to be almost the same size as the state of Delaware. The largest fire currently burning is the Wallow Fire in Arizona and New Mexico. This fire has already burned over 500,000 acres and is only 56% contained.

Not only do these wildfires pose a direct threat to people’s homes and businesses, but many properties not touched by flames may have extensive smoke damage. Wildfires can produce an enormous amount of smoke that infiltrates buildings. This smoke is filled with combustion by-products that include soot, ash and char. The smoke can have damaging effects to both property and to humans breathing the smoke filled air.

“Tragically many people have witnessed their belongings go up in smoke,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL our environmental laboratory has been busy helping those that have been able to return to their properties that were not directly burnt. These fortunate property owners have homes and businesses to return to, but often times have damage to the interior of the properties due to smoke damage. EMSL’s laboratory can identify smoke damage that helps these individuals with property insurance claims,” he continued.

EMSL recently cosponsored a public outreach video on indoor environmental hazards following a fire. It can be seen at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXcXN7lF2G4

To learn more about testing for smoke damage, char, carbon black, soot, indoor air quality (IAQ) or other environmental issues please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail