Thousands Evacuated and Countless Homes and Businesses Threatened by California Wildfires

Close to two dozen wildfires are burning across California as of the first week of August. The ongoing draught conditions, warm temperatures and strong winds have fueled the fires that have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents in different parts of the state.
 
Tens of thousands of acres have already been torched and the wildfires have caused mandatory evacuations in some areas.  Tragically, the fires have taken the life of one firefighter and destroyed numerous properties in the path of the flames.
 
While some structures have been burnt to the ground, others have remained standing with varying degrees of smoke damage.  Some of these commercial and residential properties are miles away from the actual flames as thick smoke from these wildfires can be carried great distances. 
 
“Wildfire smoke is made up of a number of combustion by-products that may include ash, soot, char and other materials,” said Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark, a leading fire and smoke residue consulting firm.  “These substances can easily infiltrate a structure and leave behind odors and residues within the property.”
 
Residues left behind from wildfire smoke can cause concerns that could impact the health of building occupants, damage materials and even lower property values.  While property insurance often covers this type of damage, it is frequently left to the property owner to provide proof of damages.  Clark Seif Clark offers testing services to scientifically determine the presence of smoke residues and to help ensure that any smoke damage remediation work is done properly.   
 
CSC recently sponsored an educational video about wildfire smoke damage that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0ksscTorHI
 
To learn more about fire and smoke residue testing services or other indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, health and safety issues, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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