California Renters Learn about Smoke and Water Damage Following Apartment Complex Fires

Recently, The Davis Enterprise published a report about a structure fire that took place at an apartment complex in Davis, California. According to the article, a fire in one of the units caused damage, but firefighters and a fire sprinkler system were able to put out the flames without anyone getting hurt.

The fire caused significant damage in the apartment where it originated and two other units were damaged from the water used to put out the flames. Information about exactly how many other units were also impacted by smoke infiltration was not released.

Fires in apartment complexes and other multi-tenant buildings can cause a myriad of indoor environmental issues for neighbors not touched directly by flames. Water damage to surrounding units is a common occurrence. Water will work its way to the lowest level possible, often behind walls and other areas that are not visible. If water and moisture are not quickly removed, mold will begin to grow in less than 48 hours in most circumstances. This mold can quickly cause indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns for anyone living or working in the building.

“Damage due to smoke infiltration in nearby units is a very common problem following a fire,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Smoke will leave behind unpleasant odors and residues which can cause corrosion, etching and discoloration within the property. These conditions typically get worse over time if not properly addressed.”

To help with insurance claims and remediation efforts, LA Testing offers analytical services and all of the sampling supplies necessary to collect samples to identify smoke residues along with soot, mold contamination, lead, asbestos and even odors. They also provide simple test kits to help identify these and many other indoor environmental quality issues. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about smoke damage that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/jUSODjn2N5w.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing for smoke and water damage, mold, asbestos, lead or other indoor air quality and environmental issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access and more information about fire and smoke damage test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

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 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, CDC Elite, 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, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail