How to Stay Safe When Cleaning Up a Home After a Wildfire

Wildfires leave behind a landscape of devastation—which not only affects the environment, but also the air we breathe. The aftermath of a wildfire often leaves behind debris that’s contaminated with toxic compounds and gases, including heavy metals, burned plastics, and even asbestos. Exposure to ash and the surrounding air can result in immediate health effects, such as irritated eyes or respiratory problems, but they can extend into longterm health complications too.

If you’re returning to an area that has been affected by wildfires, take these precautions outlined below to stay safe, minimize exposure to airborne toxins, and ultimately safeguard health during wildfire recovery efforts.

Understanding the Dangers Left Behind by Wildfires

Soot and ash

Soot and ash from wildfires can contain a myriad of harmful chemicals and carcinogens. Fine ash particles can be inhaled, creating respiratory irritation and exacerbating pre-existing conditions like asthma and allergies. Key dangers of soot and ash include respiratory irritation, asthma triggers, lung damage, heart complications, skin irritation, and more.

PM2.5 from wildfires

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or smaller. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Toxic particles in wildfire zones

Wildfire smoke results in a mix of harmful substances and toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals from burned materials. Prolonged exposure can lead to both short-term and long-term health effects.

For a deep dive into wildfire air quality risks, see this article on wildfire smoke and what you need to know.

Steps to Take After a Wildfire–Wildfire Safety Checklist

Take these precautions when returning to a wildfire-affected areas with this wildfire safety checklist:

Prepare Before Returning Home

Before heading back home, make sure to take these preventative measures.

1. Follow guidance outlined by local officials.Do not return to home until officials have deemed that it’s safe to do so.

2.Keep flash floods in mind.With any wildfire, there’s an increased risk for flash flooding, especially in areas near burned forests or those that are upstream from homes.

3.Tune into emergency communications. Make sure you’re up-to-date with local officials, and keep a battery-powered radio handy in order to stay updated with emergency broadcasts. Make sure to create an evacuation plan in case of an emergency.

4.Stock up on protective gear and monitor local air pollution levels.Use a real time air quality app, like the Molekule app, to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area. Prepare with proper protective gear, like a well-fitted N95 or P100 respirator to filter our harmful particles. Make sure to wear goggles, gloves, and full-length clothes before handling soot and ash to protect your eyes and skin.

Take Stock of the Home

Safely and thoroughly inspect your home.Before entering, ensure that it’s been deemed structurally safe by professionals, such as a structural engineer. Fires can weaken foundations and cause other hazards. Also take stock of any surrounding trees, utility lines, or other structures that may have been weakened by the fire. Finally, assess the surroundings for soot and wildfire damage. Soot can leave stains, which can seep into walls, ceilings, and ventilation systems.
Check utilities with your local provider.Before diving into any cleanup, smell for any gas leaks. Do a quick electrical check and see if your breaker is turned on. If you spot any issues, reach out to your provider first for more assistance.
Prepare for longterm precautions. As a result of the wildfire damage, you may need to change out the HVAC and air purifier filters more frequently. If you or a loved one have pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies, you may want to be proactive and check in with your medical provider on a regular basis to monitor long-term health effects.

Cleaning a Home After a Wildfire

You may want to hire professional cleaners for deep cleaning, especially when it comes to the HVAC system, drywall, or insulation. When it comes to cleaning the soot and ash from the rest of the home, follow these tips to safeguard your health:

Tips for Safe Clean up

Protect your skin and eyes by wearing long sleeves, pans, gloves, and goggles.
Gently mist surfaces before cleaning to keep ash from becoming airborne.
Avoid using anything like leaf blowers or vacuums, which can stir up more harmful particulate matter into the air.
Use an air purifier to continuously filter out harmful particles from the home.
Finally, wash contaminated work clothes and keep them separate from other clothes.

Additional Resources

For more expert advice on dealing with wildfire safety tips for homeowners and minimizing wildfire health hazards, see the resources linked below. Remember, it’s more important than ever to prioritize your health and safety during this difficult time.

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How to Stay Safe When Cleaning Up a Home After a Wildfire