Understanding the Importance of Smoke and Fire Damage Assessments

In the aftermath of a fire, many property owners face overwhelming damage to their buildings and possessions. However, the visible destruction is only part of the problem. Hidden dangers, such as soot, ash, and other combustion by-products, can linger long after the flames have been extinguished, posing serious risks to both property and human health. This is where professional smoke and fire damage assessments become essential.
At Western Health & Safety (WHS), we specialize in providing comprehensive smoke and fire damage assessment services, with a strong emphasis on industrial hygiene. Our team, led by certified industrial hygienists, is dedicated to ensuring the safety of your property and the well-being of its occupants by using the latest testing methods and technologies to uncover the full extent of fire-related damage, including harmful substances like asbestos, lead, and mercury.
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Why Are Smoke and Fire Damage Assessments Necessary?

​Fire doesn’t just destroy—its aftermath can leave behind harmful particulates, including soot, char, and ash, that can contaminate air, surfaces, and even HVAC systems. Additionally, fires can disturb hazardous materials like asbestos and release dangerous heavy metals such as lead and mercury into the environment. If these materials are not properly identified and remediated, they can lead to long-term health issues, including respiratory problems, neurological damage, and other serious conditions. Furthermore, lingering contaminants can accelerate the corrosion of building materials, leading to structural weaknesses over time.
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What WHS Provides: Comprehensive Damage Assessments

Our smoke and fire damage services are designed to go beyond the visible surface. Here's how we help:

1. Air Sampling: We perform advanced air quality testing using techniques like Gravimetric Analysis and Particle Count to identify harmful soot, asbestos fibers, and other airborne particles that could affect indoor environments. These tests are crucial in detecting the presence of lead and mercury in dust and air after a fire incident.
2. Surface Sampling: Using methods such as Micro-Vacuuming and Tape Lifting, our team collects samples from both porous and non-porous surfaces to identify residual smoke particles. Additionally, we test for asbestos, lead, mercury, and other hazardous substances that may have been disturbed or released during the fire. These tests allow us to measure the level of contamination and determine the best remediation approach.
3. Microscopic Analysis: Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as Reflected Light Microscopy (RLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), WHS identifies and quantifies combustion by-products and hazardous materials like asbestos and heavy metals, providing precise data on the nature and extent of the contamination.
4. Combustion By-Product Testing: Our experts analyze for carbon black, soot, and other harmful substances, ensuring thorough identification of fire-related contaminants. In addition, we conduct specialized testing for heavy metals like lead and mercury, which can pose serious health risks if not properly remediated. This data helps determine the appropriate cleaning and remediation measures to restore the environment safely.
5. Customized Reporting and Action Plans: After completing our assessment, WHS provides detailed reports with actionable insights on the scope of the damage. We recommend tailored remediation strategies to address the specific needs of your property, ensuring safety and compliance with local regulations, including handling asbestos, lead, and mercury contamination.

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The WHS Difference: Expertise in Industrial Hygiene

With years of experience in Alberta and BC, WHS stands out by offering personalized, field-driven solutions that larger multidisciplinary firms may overlook. Our team of certified industrial hygienists brings extensive expertise in industrial hygiene, specializing in the detection and control of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and mercury. Our hands-on approach and boutique services mean we are fully dedicated to identifying and addressing even the most complex fire damage scenarios. We stay up-to-date with the latest methodologies and technologies, ensuring that our clients receive accurate and timely assessments.

Protecting Your Property, Protecting Your Health

At WHS, our mission is to safeguard both property and public health by reducing exposure to toxic substances resulting from fires. Our smoke and fire damage assessments are designed to help property owners, facility managers, and contractors understand the full impact of fire damage, including the disturbance of hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and mercury. By taking proactive steps to restore safety and health to the affected areas, we ensure that your property is not only restored but also made safe for future use.


Don’t let hidden fire damage and hazardous materials affect the safety of your home or business. Contact WHS today to schedule a professional fire damage assessment, and let us help you ensure your property is safe, clean, and secure.

Contact WHS Today

WHS Wildfire Services