California Residents with Homes Spared by Raging Wildfires May Still Encounter Smoke Damage

In June, California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in Kern County after a raging wildfire destroyed well over 100 homes, damaged many others and ignited over 35,000 acres. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the area as firefighters battled to try to control the wildfire in hot, dry and windy conditions.

California’s multi-year drought has helped make 2016 an exceptionally active wildfire season with numerous fires burning so far this summer from the northern portions of the state to a fire along the Mexican border. All of these wildfires are a concern not just for the property owners, managers and tenants in the direct path of the flames, but also for many even miles away due to the strong potential for smoke damage.

Smoke from a wildfire can travel great distances in the prevailing winds. Wildfire smoke is filled with combustion by-products that include soot, ash and char that can infiltrate homes, businesses and schools. In addition to causing odors indoors, smoke can leave behind residues that may cause corrosion, etching and discoloration.

“Those in affected areas that are fortunate enough to have avoided direct damage due to flames should be on the lookout for smoke residues in their properties,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Smoke damage is covered by many insurance policies, but it is often left to the property owner or manager to provide evidence of its existence, and LA Testing can help. We offer sampling supplies, analytical services and easy-to-use test kits to identify smoke residues to assist with this process.”

LA Testing has produced an educational video about smoke damage from wildfires that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/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. For more information about the Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. 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, CDC ELITE, 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 Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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