California Wildfires Rage Causing Destruction & Property Damage

August started with approximately 20 wildfires raging across California.  The fires have been made exceptionally difficult to control this year due to the state’s historic ongoing drought and windy conditions in many areas. Tens of thousands of acres have been burnt as firemen from surrounding states make their way to California to help with efforts to contain the fires.

Some properties have already been lost to the fires and many others have been damaged due to smoke infiltration.  Wildfire smoke can travel great distances in the prevailing winds, so a property even miles from the flames can still suffer from smoke damage.  This smoke is filled with combustion by-products that include soot, ash and char that can result in odors and leave behind residues that may cause corrosion, etching and discoloration within the property.

“As properties owners are allowed to return to their homes and businesses, they should be on the lookout for signs of smoke damage,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.  “Property insurance may cover this type of damage, but it is often up to the property owner to provide proof of damages.  At LA Testing, we offer sampling supplies and testing services to scientifically identify the presence of smoke residues.  This information can be vital for insurance policy holders and is also useful to help with smoke remediation efforts to ensure properties are returned to their pre-fire conditions.”

LA Testing recently produced an online video about smoke damage that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owo8lIoVTuk.

To learn more about testing for smoke residues or other indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental issues, please visit www.SmokeDamageTestingLab.com or www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.  
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail