The recent California wildfires have left a trail of destruction, damaging thousands of homes and businesses and causing billions in losses from Los Angeles to Malibu. But even beyond the fire zone, the effects linger—poor air quality, economic strain, and pervasive smoke damage.
At M.A.R.S. Environmental, we’ve seen this devastation firsthand, having worked on the aftermath of the 2021 Marshall wildfires in Colorado. This article will help you identify the signs of smoke damage, explore the most effective cleanup strategies, and explain why professional remediation is essential for fully restoring your home.
How Far-Reaching Is Smoke, and Who Does Smoke Damage Affect?
We strongly recommend professional remediation if your home is within 3-10 miles of a wildfire burn zone. Toxic chemicals like dioxins– some of the most hazardous substances produced in a fire– can linger long after the flames are out. According to fire expert Sean Scott, burning materials like plastic release these harmful toxins, making proper clean-up essential.
Even homes far from the burn zone can suffer smoke damage as smoke travels for miles. Every home is different, but when you call for remediation services, a specialist will ask key questions:
- Is there visible debris?
- Did any windows break?
- Do you see soot streaks on your walls?
- Have you tried cleaning anything?
Depending on your answers, the team will recommend steps so you can begin to restore your home.
The Short and Long-Term Health Effects of Smoke Exposure
Unfortunately, smoke can do more than damage your home. California residents may also experience short-and long-term health effects from smoke exposure. Some short-term health effects related to smoke exposure include:
- Temporary skin irritation
Invisible to the eye, smoke contains burning irritants that can irritate your skin, causing hives or rashes. - Respiratory problems
When you return home, you may experience coughing or difficulty breathing. Air purifiers and respirators with magenta cartridges can help combat the effects of smoke on the respiratory system.
The long-term health effects of smoke exposure are even more alarming than the short-term effects, with lasting consequences that can affect both children and adults.
- Chronic skin irritation
Children are especially vulnerable, as their skin is 50-70% more absorbent than adults. This makes them more likely to experience irritation or discomfort, such as itchy or inflamed skin, after contact with smoke residues on surfaces like carpet or grass. - Increased risk of cancer
Smoke leaves carcinogens in the air, which increases the risk of developing various types of cancer over time, particularly lung cancer, as the harmful chemicals settle in the body. - Lung and kidney diseases
Over time, California residents may face chronic lung or kidney diseases, with cumulative exposure to smoke causing long-term damage to these vital organs.
Given the severity of these long-term effects, taking immediate steps to protect yourself and your family from smoke exposure is crucial.
What Can Homeowners Do to Tackle Smoke Damage?
Here are some things you can do if you decide to tackle smoke remediation on your own:
- Wear Tyvek suits and thick-soled shoes when cleaning.
Tyvek chemical-resistant suits are easy to remove and disposable, making them ideal for repairing smoke damage. Also, wear a solid pair of shoes to protect your fear. - Invest in a portable air filter.
Portable air filters can reduce indoor air particles by as much as 45% after a wildfire. - Use a vacuum with HEPA filters that can trap tiny particles.
Invisible to the eye, smoke contains burning irritants that can irritate your skin, causing hives or rashes. - Upgrade your HVAC system.
Consider adding a UV or ionization attachment to your existing system or upgrading it to a MERV-13 rating. The HVAC system should also be the last thing you clean. - Change attic insulation.
The attic should be the first thing you clean (work from the top down). However, you might need to replace the attic insulation because ridges, ridge vents, and gable vents on the roof act as a vacuum when smoke is present. - Special cleaner for washing clothes, carpets, and cars.
You’ll need specialized cleaners to wash your clothes, carpets, and vehicles. Avoid washing the clothes you wear during cleaning with your other laundry. Cars parked near smoky areas will also require detailing. - Throw away mattresses.
Expert Tip: While it’s possible to tackle smoke damage cleanup yourself, professional smoke remediation and testing services are highly recommended for a more thorough and effective restoration, ensuring your home’s and your loved ones’ long-term health and safety.
The Benefits of Professional Remediation
The stress of trying to remediate smoke damage yourself might be overwhelming after experiencing such a traumatic event. Here are some reasons why it might be better to leave the task to professionals:
- Expert Knowledge and Protocols
Professionals follow established guidelines, such as those listed by the IICRC, to ensure a thorough and effective remediation process. - Health and Safety
By hiring a team, you avoid the risks associated with exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other harmful residues during the cleanup process. - Reduced Stress
Remediation professionals, like those at M.A.R.S. Environmental, can manage the complex cleanup process, alleviating the emotional burden of dealing with smoke damage and burnt belongings. - Peace of Mind
Professionals handle the cleanup and can also conduct tests to ensure the air and environment are safe to return to. Their services help you and your family return to a healthy, safe home without worry.
What to Know About Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies don’t offer wildfire protection, and for those who do, the cost is often out of reach, as is the case for most California homeowners. For those fortunate enough to have coverage, here are several key things to know:
- Document your home and belongings regularly.
Record a detailed video of your home and belongings every 6 months so your insurance company can see the current state of your assets. - Organize your most important documents.
Keep essential documents– like IDs, bank account info, and your home deed– together and easily accessible. - Avoid cleaning until an assessment.
If you plan on filing an insurance claim, avoid cleaning the damage yourself. Let the insurance company assess it first to ensure a smooth claim process.
Can you prepare your home for a future wildfire?
Given California’s vulnerability to wildfires, residents must be prepared. While we can’t control the fires themselves, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize damage and better protect your home when disaster strikes:
- Clear nearby trees
Regularly clearing trees and brush around your property can create defensible space, reducing the chance of flames spreading to your home. - Install fire suppression systems
Consider installing fire sprinklers or other fire suppression systems that can help protect your home from flames, especially in high-risk areas. - Close doors and windows
Before leaving your home during a wildfire, close all doors and windows to prevent embers from entering and igniting your property.
How to Prepare Yourself and Those You Love for the Next Fire
While these steps can help, the reality is that, as many have learned, there’s little you can do to protect your home during a wildfire fully. For this reason, having a solid evacuation plan in place is crucial for the next emergency. Here are some steps you can take:
- Create a solid evacuation plan
Planning and practicing an evacuation route for your family is crucial. Ensure everyone knows how to leave the home quickly and safely if necessary. - Prepare important documents
Keep copies of critical documents in a safe, easily accessible location so you can quickly retrieve them during an evacuation. - Research cleaner air shelters
Learn about clean-air shelters or spaces in your area equipped with strong filtration systems. Libraries, museums, and senior care centers opened their doors to provide respite from smoke-filled air during the wildfires.
Professional Remediation: Key to Safely Restoring Your Home From Smoke Damage
Smoke damage from California wildfires can have lasting effects that are often invisible to the eye. While DIY cleanup may seem tempting, the complexity and health risks make professional remediation the best choice.
Certified specialists at M.A.R.S Environmental can assess the damage, perform necessary tests, and thoroughly clean your home to ensure its safety. Contact M.A.R.S Environmental today for expert smoke damage remediation and to restore your home to a cleaner, safer space.
Smoke Remediation FAQ
You should only return to your home after a fire once the fire department explicitly declares it safe. This means waiting until they’ve assessed the damage, ensured utilities are secure, and cleared the area for re-entry, which could take hours or even days, depending on the fire’s severity.
It might be physically and emotionally challenging to handle smoke remediation on your own. If you do decide to tackle things yourself, be sure to get the proper protective gear and when you’re finsihed, run all the tests necessary to ensure your clean up was efficient enough for long-term safety.
To determine whether remediation is required, industrial hygienists, such as those at M.A.R.S. Environmental, perform specific tests. The types of tests include:
- Combustion Byproducts Testing
- Dioxin Testing
- PAH Testing
- Particulate Testing
- VOC Testing
- Formaldehyde Testing
- Asbestos Testing
- Heavy Metal Testing
- Fire Metal Testing
- Lithium Testing
After a wildfire, harmful chemicals and toxins can linger in the air and on surfaces, posing serious health risks. The results of these tests ensure that any dangerous contaminants are identified and removed, making your home a safer place to live for the foreseeable future.
