Smoke Damage Claims on the Rise from Recent Fires

Environmental professionals at Clark Seif Clark (CSC) provide testing solutions for commercial and residential properties for thorough fire and smoke damage investigations.

A devastating natural gas fire in San Bruno, California and a raging wildfire on the outskirts of Boulder, Colorado are major news stories this month. Not only have these fires caused death and destruction where they burned, but also nearby structures may now bear the burdens of smoke residue.

Once a fire is extinguished, homeowners and business owners return to their properties to inspect for damages. Some people are fortunate to find properties untouched by fire, while others return to completely destroyed buildings and businesses.

A significant number of building owners will discover properties without visible fire damage, but that doesn’t mean the fire left them untouched. Wildfire combustion by-product, such as soot, char and ash, infiltration into properties can have far reaching consequences. Sometimes the visual proof of smoke infiltration is obvious, other times the evidence is more subtle. Those facing the probable consequences of combustion by-product residue at their properties may require testing to determine the extent of any impact, to determine a reasonable scope of cleaning or to assist with the insurance claims process.

Clark Seif Clark, a leading provider of wildfire residue assessments, has been busy helping property owners test residential and commercial buildings for any smoke impact. “The science of wildfire combustion by-product investigations requires experience, expertise and specialized laboratory analysis,” reported Derrick A. Denis, V.P. Indoor Environmental Quality at CSC. “For years, CSC has provided reliable third-party information to property owners and insurance companies thereby allowing them to make informed responses.”

To learn more about how CSC can help with smoke damage, indoor air quality (IAQ), mold or other environmental issues please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark (CSC).
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address environmental 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 architects, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail