Wildfire vs. Building Fire Restoration:
What Restorers Need to Know
Wildfire Cleanup is Different Than Cleanup Associated with Other Types of Fires
Cleaning up after a wildfire is different than any house fire, grass fire or even forest fire.
The toxins and unique combustion byproducts present in the air, settled smoke, soot, char and ash piles can create respiratory hazards unseen anywhere else in the industry, making cleanup and restoration not only difficult, but downright dangerous.
As a "second responder," restoration professionals are responsible for recognizing the respiratory hazards for not only building occupants, but their workers as well. When decision-time comes, will you feel confident enough in your cleaning practices to mitigate occupant health-related issues? Do you know when to assume clearance liability on your own, and when to shift some of that liability onto a qualified environmental professional?
Due to Changing Technologies, Education is Key to Wildfire Cleanup
No two wildfires impact homes the same way. It's important to have the training to recognize whether a home requires only surface cleaning and deodorization, and when it requires a partial or complete packout. An updated education on wildfire cleanup specifically is important because of advances in chemical deodorization, including the use of ozone and hydroxyls, and how to interpret the AIHA "Technical Guide for Wildfire Impaction Assessment for the OEHS Professional."
