Introduction

The property management, construction, and insurance industries have seen a notable rise in combustion-related environmental emergencies stemming from wildland and structural fires. While fire and smoke-related damage claims are not new, their frequency and scope have increased. The 2023 Canadian wildfires exemplify this trend, as smoke plumes significantly affected air quality across the United States, including New York City. Such events underline the importance of proper control and remediation to safeguard the health and safety of building occupants and industry professionals involved in post-loss recovery.

Initial Post-Loss Response

Once a fire is extinguished and the building is deemed structurally sound, retaining an experienced contractor is essential. The contractor initiates water mitigation, often necessary due to fire suppression activities. Following this, air movers, HEPA and charcoal-filtered air filtration devices, and commercial dehumidifiers are deployed to address structural drying and odor reduction.

At this critical stage, hiring a licensed and experienced environmental consultant becomes paramount. These professionals perform detailed investigations, including surface sampling, to:

• Document the extent of fire and smoke damage.
• Provide a roadmap for remediation.
• Prevent overlooked areas and unnecessary restoration costs.

Their expertise ensures a comprehensive, cost-effective approach to returning the structure to pre-loss conditions.

Typical Concerns Related to Smoke Impact

Smoke impact is influenced by various factors, including air temperature, pressure differentials, and electrical charges on building materials. Combustion by-products (CBPs) such as soot, char, and ash can deposit on surfaces, with smaller particles (e.g., PM2.5) posing significant health risks due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs.

Qualified consultants address these challenges by:

• Removing or remediating CBP deposits.
• Ensuring proper removal or encapsulation of impacted materials.
• Identifying additional damages in hard-to-access areas, integrating these findings into the remediation scope.

The Benefits of Experienced Environmental Consulting

An experienced consultant is invaluable in managing post-combustion events, mitigating scope creep, and addressing adjacent concerns such as water damage and microbial growth. Key benefits include:

• Conducting pre-demolition sampling for asbestos or lead.
• Differentiating between loss-related impacts and typical background levels of CBPs.
• Recommending appropriate technologies, such as hydroxyl or ozone generators, based on specific environmental conditions.

These measures not only streamline remediation but also safeguard the property owner’s investment.

Addressing Odor and Corrosion

Post-fire odors can be challenging to characterize, often driven by microscopic CBP deposits. Seasonal temperature changes and HVAC system fluctuations may intensify these odors, necessitating thorough inspections. Additionally, CBP anions such as chlorides and sulfates can interact with moisture to create corrosive by-products, potentially damaging electrical systems and materials. An experienced consultant ensures these risks are effectively managed.

Conclusion

The complexities of post-fire environments demand the expertise of seasoned environmental consultants like Hillmann Consulting, LLC. By leveraging data-driven testing and tailored remediation strategies, Hillmann ensures effective cost control and peace of mind for property owners and occupants. Retaining qualified professionals is not just an investment in property restoration but a commitment to health and safety.

How Can Hillmann Help?

At Hillmann, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate guidance throughout the recovery process, always prioritizing our clients’ best interests. Our network of specialized professionals collaborates seamlessly to deliver the most efficient solutions and ensure the timely achievement of project milestones.

• Proven Expertise: Backed by 40 years of full-service, 24/7 disaster response experience.
• Certified Specialists: Our team includes fire and smoke consultants, industrial hygienists, hazardous materials inspectors, and mold assessors.
• Luxury Market Experience: We understand the nuances of high-end building materials and finishes, bringing expertise tailored to luxury real estate markets.

This is an adaptation of an original article by: Benjamin A. Hildebrand, CFSC, CMC, CIEC, Technical Director of Fire & Smoke Investigation | Building Sciences & Industrial Hygiene | Hillmann Consulting, LLC

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