Massive Fire in Los Angeles Causes Destruction and Smoke Damage Concerns in Nearby Buildings

In the early hours of December 8th, approximately 250 firefighters were called to battle a massive blaze in downtown Los Angeles. The fire broke out at a construction site the size of a city block and could be seen from miles away.
 
The fire, which closed nearby freeways and caused millions of dollars in damages, is under investigation.  Not only did the fire cause extensive destruction to the 1.3 million square feet of floor space under construction, but the extreme heat also cracked countless windows in adjacent buildings and has likely left many nearby properties with varying degrees of smoke damage.
 
These types of massive structural fires produce an enormous amount of smoke that can be carried long distances in the wind. The smoke is filled with combustion by-products that include soot, ash and char that can have damaging effects to both properties and to humans breathing the smoke filled air.
 
“Property owners who have homes and businesses in the area are advised to be on the lookout for signs of smoke damage,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.  “Smoke can infiltrate a structure and leave behind unpleasant odors and residues which can cause corrosion, etching and discoloration within the property.  LA Testing’s network of laboratories provide smoke damage and soot testing services to help with the recovery efforts.  Surface and air testing can provide proof of smoke damage for insurance purposes and can then be used to help remediate the property back to pre-fire conditions.”
 
LA Testing recently produced an online video about smoke damage that can be seen at:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owo8lIoVTuk.
 
To learn more about testing for smoke damage, char, carbon black, soot and other indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental issues, please visit www.SmokeDamageTestingLab.com or www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call 1-800-303-0047. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other substances.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

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