The first time I stepped onto the burned remains of a home in the Eaton Fire zone, my boots sank into layers of gray, black, and white debris. The air was thick with a chemical-laced odor, a blend of melted plastics, scorched wood, and the unmistakable sting of combustion byproducts. As a Certified Asbestos Consultant (CAC) working with Cal/OSHA, my job was clear: systematically sample the site for hazardous materials—lead, asbestos, heavy metals, and other toxic remnants that could pose risks to returning residents, workers, and the environment.
Sampling Protocol for Burned Homes
Equipped with my Level C PPE—a full-face P100 respirator, Tyvek suit, nitrile gloves, and steel-toed boots—I began my assessment. Before stepping onto the property, I consulted historical building records. This home, built in 1972, had a high likelihood of containing asbestos in joint compound, flooring, and insulation. 
Step 1: Asbestos Sampling
Wildfires destroy many materials but often leave friable asbestos behind. I took samples from areas where popcorn ceiling material had collapsed into the debris pile. Using a stainless-steel scoop, I collected a small portion of the ash-laden ceiling remnants and placed them in a sealed, labeled container for polarized light microscopy (PLM) analysis. Next, I sampled thermoplastic floor tiles, breaking a small section and double-bagging it for testing.
Step 2: Lead and Heavy Metal Assessment
The intense heat of a wildfire vaporizes many materials, creating deposits of lead and heavy metals. Using a wipe sampling kit, I swabbed windowsill debris—a known lead-accumulating area. Additionally, I collected bulk ash samples from the perimeter of the foundation, which would be analyzed via TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) to detect arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. Lead paint on doorframes and metal fixtures was likely aerosolized, so I gathered surface dust from remaining structural components for further analysis.
Step 3: PAH and Dioxin Sampling
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins form when synthetic materials burn at high temperatures. I conducted soil sampling using an incremented grid pattern around the property, especially near areas where vinyl siding and PVC pipes had melted. Samples were stored in amber glass jars with no headspace, as per EPA Method 8270D.
Sampling Indoor Environments in Non-Burned Homes
Not every home in the Palisades Fire zone was reduced to rubble. Some were spared from the flames but were still coated in layers of toxic soot and particulate matter. These environments required a different approach—one focused on indoor air quality and surface contamination.
Step 1: Indoor Air Quality Sampling
I set up a high-volume air sampler equipped with a PM2.5 and PM10 cassette in the living room of a home that had been exposed to heavy wildfire smoke but remained intact. The goal was to capture fine particulate matter that could carry toxic substances deep into the lungs. Additionally, I used SUMMA canisters to test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that might have infiltrated the home’s HVAC system.
Step 2: Surface Wipe Sampling for Lead and Heavy Metals
Since lead and heavy metals can settle onto indoor surfaces, I collected micro-vacuum samples from a carpeted bedroom using an XRF-compatible filter. This would help determine the presence of lead-based paint particulates and fire-related heavy metals that had entered through windows and vents.
Step 3: Settled Asbestos Sampling
Using a ghost wipe technique, I sampled dust accumulation from a kitchen countertop to test for asbestos fibers. Homes built before 1980 often contain asbestos insulation that, when exposed to intense heat, can become airborne and settle indoors.
Step 4: PAH and Soot Contamination Testing
For soot contamination, I conducted tape-lift sampling from the home’s ventilation ducts. PAHs from wildfire smoke tend to accumulate in HVAC filters and ductwork, creating long-term exposure risks. These samples would undergo gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.
Wildfire Smoke and Ash Restoration Standards
Homeowners dealing with smoke and ash contamination should follow IICRC S500 and S520 standards for proper cleaning and decontamination. Some key steps include:
- HVAC System Cleaning: Replace all filters and have ductwork professionally cleaned to remove settled particulates.
- HEPA Vacuuming and Wet Wiping: Use HEPA-filtered vacuums and damp microfiber cloths to remove settled ash from surfaces.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning for Contents: Electronics, upholstery, and fabrics should be professionally cleaned using ultrasonic or ozone treatments to remove embedded soot.
- Charcoal-Based Air Scrubbing: Deploy activated carbon air scrubbers to absorb lingering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and smoke odors.
Final Testing for Reoccupancy
Before reoccupying a home, a post-remediation verification assessment should be conducted. This includes:
- Indoor Air Quality Testing: Ensure PM2.5 levels are below 12 µg/m³ (EPA standards) and VOCs are within acceptable limits.
- Surface Wipe Sampling: Lead, asbestos, and PAH contamination should be tested to confirm safe re-entry levels.
- Clearance Air Sampling: Conduct air clearance sampling for asbestos and heavy metals, ensuring no residual hazardous fibers or particulates remain.
Once the fieldwork was completed, I double-checked the chain-of-custody forms and delivered the samples to a certified laboratory for analysis. The results would determine if these homes could be reoccupied safely or if professional decontamination was necessary.
Wildfires don’t just burn structures—they create complex environmental hazards that linger long after the flames are extinguished. As a CAC inspector, my job is more than just collecting samples; it’s about ensuring the safety of families returning to their homes, workers in the cleanup process, and the broader community exposed to post-fire contaminants.
Walking away from the site, I felt the weight of this work in this new environment. The scars of the fire would fade someday. Realizing that I am just one person, here to help clients, homeowners, and families—one sample at a time.
Recovery takes time, but with the right steps and proper cleanup, these communities will rebuild stronger than before. Homes will be restored, families will return, and life will go on. Hope lies in resilience, and each step forward brings a new beginning.
