Wildfires Continue to Cause Fire, Smoke and Soot Damage in Southern California

Garden Grove, CA, June 7, 2013

The Powerhouse Fire in an area North of Los Angeles has burned tens of thousands of acres and caused the evacuation of countless people. So far the number of actual buildings destroyed has been kept low due to the valiant efforts of firefighters battling the blaze.

This large fire is just the most recent in what has turned out to be a busy fire season in Southern California. These wildfires not only cause direct damage to homes and businesses in their path, but also countless others not touched by flames may end up with extensive smoke damage. 

The large amount of smoke released by a wildfire is filled with combustion by-products that include soot, ash and char. This smoke can travel long distances and can have damaging effects to both property and to human health.

Often times, property owners of smoke damaged properties have to show proof of damage before insurance providers will approve any repairs and remediation work on a property. One local area laboratory specializes in this smoke and soot testing. The scientists at LA Testing are experts at providing smoke damage and soot testing services to help property owners, environmental experts and insurance providers following a wildfire.

“Testing for smoke damage takes true expertise and advanced instrumentation,” reported Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “LA Testing has years of experience in identifying smoke damage due to wildfires. During this time of year, we are regularly called upon to help identify indoor contaminates due to smoke infiltration which can be an important step in the insurance claims process,” he continued.

LA Testing has sponsored an educational 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.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-866-798-1089

jfrasca@emsl.com