All homeowners in wildfire areas should carefully view the video, 5 on the Frontline with Dawn Bolstad-Johnson. As part of their training, all property insurance adjusters should do so as well.
I have bought the paperback and eBook versions of Dawn Bolstad-Johnson’s book, Exposed Carcinogenic Exposures on the Fireground and 11 Work Practices to Minimize the Risk. While it is an important read for firefighters, it is just as important to those wanting to understand the safety concerns about exposures to structures that have been burnt or subject to smoke from a fire.
I also came across a video, Your PPE is for Every. Single. Fire, reminding firefighters about the need to wear safety equipment even during training exercises because of the hazards posed by smoke and ash.
We have written about these concerns in , and . The residue of smoke, soot, and ash can kill you in the long term. I do not mean to scare people, but the scientific data cannot be ignored. We suggest that structures with smoke, soot, and ash debris be thoroughly examined by a qualified industrial hygienist. This is something all property insurance adjusters should do as part of an investigation.
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