Fire and Smoke Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, March 1, 2023 

In early February, the New Jersey Fire Service announced prescribed burns would be taking place at four locations in Burlington County. Up to seven additional controlled burns were also planned throughout the state during the month. 

While prescribed burns are often necessary to mitigate future wildfire risks and to restore the health of ecosystems that depend on wildfires, they can also spread dense clouds of smoke and ash into surrounding areas. This can cause respiratory challenges for anyone nearby, and the smoke and ash can travel great distances in the wind. 

Unfortunately, these substances frequently make their way into homes and buildings that can be many miles from the prescribed fire. The smoke is filled with combustion by-products that include soot, ash and char. These can cause indoor air quality (IAQ) issues and property damage. Odors, discoloration and "ghosting" effects frequently result when these combustion by-products make their way indoors and onto surfaces. Their presence can also cause etching and corrosion over time, not to mention damage to electronics. 

“Smoke from any type of fire can create exposure concerns and damage to property,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “While many insurance policies cover smoke damage, it is often left to the property owner or tenant to provide proof of damage. EMSL Analytical, with testing laboratories across New Jersey and the region, provides smoke damage, residue and odor testing services and sampling supplies. Analyzing air and surface samples can help to prove an insurance claim and also assist with confirming remediation efforts in a damaged property were effective. These services are available to property owners, tenants, environmental experts, and insurance companies and adjusters. EMSL even offers an easy-to-use Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit.” 

Several years back, EMSL sponsored an educational video about smoke damage to homes and buildings that can still be viewed at: https://youtu.be/c0ksscTorHI 

To learn more about smoke, char, soot, ash and odor testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access the Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.   

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.