After a fire: Considerations for residential property soil testing and restoration

This guidance explains how burned structures, vehicles and household materials can release toxic substances including metals, asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins and PFAS into surrounding soils. The publication emphasizes that contamination is often not visible and that professional assessment is required before reoccupying or rebuilding affected properties.

The document outlines a phased process for site recovery, including hazard removal, debris and ash clearance, and confirmatory soil sampling. It provides detailed recommendations for soil sampling design, laboratory analysis and the use of Residential Ash Assessment Metals (RAAM) to evaluate post-fire contamination. The guidance stresses that debris removal alone does not confirm site safety and that professional testing is necessary before rebuilding can proceed. In addition, the publication discusses remediation approaches, common recovery challenges and frequently asked questions. It highlights the importance of protecting public health, avoiding contaminated fill materials and ensuring that local authorities and qualified professionals oversee recovery activities. The guidance is intended to support evidence-based decision-making during post-fire recovery and reconstruction.