Fire and Smoke Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, May 8, 2025

This year, May 4-11 is recognized as Wildfire Preparedness Week in California. During this time, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and partner agencies share proactive ways that people, communities, and businesses can protect themselves and their property from the threat of wildfires. 

This is important information to have as there have already been over 740 wildfires, 60,000+ acres burned, 30 fatalities, and more than 16,000 structures destroyed in California in just the first 4 months of 2025.

Last year’s Wildfire Preparedness Week proclamation from Governor Newsom stated:

All of us have an essential role in protecting ourselves, loved ones, and communities from wildfire. During Wildfire Preparedness Week, I encourage all Californians to visit ReadyForWildfire.org to learn about steps we can take to prepare for wildfire season and help prevent loss of life and property. Together, we can create a more fire-resilient California. 

“Sadly, every year, so many homes and buildings are destroyed or damaged, including ones that are miles away from the flames,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This happens because wildfire smoke infiltrates structures downwind of the fire with combustion by-products that include soot, ash, and char. These substances can have damaging effects on both properties and human health. LA Testing, with multiple laboratories in California, is a leading provider of smoke damage, residue, material, and odor testing services. We offer surface and air testing that can be used to prove the presence of residues and odors for insurance purposes. These same tests can also be instrumental after a property is remediated to ensure it has been brought back to pre-fire conditions.”

To learn more about smoke damage, odor, and other indoor environmental quality testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To access easy-to-use Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

  

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.