Homes not Touched by Recent California Wildfires May Be Impacted by Smoke Particles

Last week, Southern California’s wildfire season arrived early with several large blazes across the greater Los Angeles area.  Fires in Ventura and Riverside, fueled by strong winds, prompted neighborhood evacuations and even caused the campus of California State University Channel Islands to ask students and faculty to leave the area.
 
According to many experts, a dry winter has caused the fire season to begin early and has many authorities preparing for a busy fire season.  Due to the heroic efforts of many fire fighting professionals, many homes and businesses in the impacted areas were saved from the flames.   
 
Many of the properties that did not suffer from direct contact with the flames may now have issues related to smoke particles that have entered the buildings.  Structures near a wildfire often have indoor environmental issues caused by the amount of smoke typically generated in a wildfire. Combustion by-products, including soot, char and ash, can infiltrate nearby properties leaving behind smoke residues. 
 
“Smoke residues can leave behind not only unpleasant odors, but can at times result in more serious concerns,” reported Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark (CSC), a leading fire and smoke residue environmental consulting firm.  “Visual proof of smoke infiltration is sometimes obvious, but other times the evidence is quite subtle.  Many people will likely face the consequences of combustion by-product residues from the recent fires infiltrating their homes and businesses.  These property owners may be required to test for its presence to prove damages.  This can be vital in assisting with the insurance claims process.  Testing can also determine the extent of its presence and help to establish a reasonable scope of cleaning.  CSC has years of expertise in this area and can help people facing these challenges.”
 
CSC recently sponsored an educational video about indoor environmental concerns after a fire that can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/fXcXN7lF2G4
 
To learn more about fire and smoke residue testing services or other indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, and health and safety issues, please visit http://www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) 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 industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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