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Fire Response and Recovery

Whenever there is a fire, concerns are raised about exposure to smoke and potential contaminants. Below are a series of recommendations and links created by OEHHA and its partners addressing various public health concerns of fires.

• Report on the toxicity of smoke from the 2007 Sacramento Trestle Fire (pdf)
  More information on air monitoring during fires can be found at the Air Resources Board emergency site.
• Safe Cleanup of Fire Ash (pdf) Fire ash from forest fires is relatively nontoxic, however ash may contain small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals and may irritate the respiratory system. This report summarizes safe ways to remove ash to avoid exposure.
• Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials (pdf) Written in part by OEHHA and US EPA, this guide focuses on the composition of smoke, potential health effects, and recommendations for protective measures.
• Tire Fire Smoke: Major Constituents and Potential for Public Health Impacts (pdf) This report identifies the major chemical constituents of smoke from burning tires, the toxicity of those chemicals, and the potential effects on human health.

For information on current wildfire threats, go to the OES Fire Season site.