After a wildfire: Considerations for building environmental testing

This resource, made accessible for property owners and health officials, is designed to help people better understand and resolve building safety questions in recovery after wildfires. This is because understanding what the hazards present inside buildings are - and removing them - are some of the most challenging aspects of recovery. The document was developed based on the response to the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio USA chemical spill/fires disaster and 2025 January wildfires in the Los Angeles, California area. The guidance was prepared in response to data on property owner requests for assistance, and observations from a review of home testing reports prepared by consultants.

The guide document covers the following topics:

• Damage types & building contamination;
• What & where are the contaminants?
• Role of sampling & testing in restoration, damage identification, and remediation;
• Who should conduct testing & what is their scope?
• What should be tested for & where?
• Frequently asked questions;
• Remediation & post-remediation issues.