Fire investigation testing and combustion by-products
Fire investigation testing services
Ensure safety, compliance, and thorough restoration with Eurofins Built Environment Testing’s expert fire investigation testing. Whether you’re dealing with wildfire residues, structural fire impacts, or smoke damage, our comprehensive testing solutions provide the insights needed for effective remediation and insurance compliance.
Why choose fire investigation testing?
Fires can cause extensive damage to property and health through the release of combustion by-products—gases and small particles from incomplete combustion of home heating fuel. These residues, including soot, char, ash, organic compounds, and metal oxides, that can linger on surfaces and in the air, posing health risks and complicating cleanup efforts.
Our fire investigation testing services help:
- Identify and evaluate combustion by-products.
- Guide remediation professionals with precise contamination data.
- Support insurance claims with reliable documentation.
Comprehensive testing solutions
At Eurofins Built Environment Testing, we offer tailored solutions to meet the unique demands of fire investigation and restoration.
Sampling methods
We utilize advanced sampling techniques, including ASTM D6602, to ensure accurate and reliable data:
- Tape Lifts: Ideal for surface-level residue collection on smooth surfaces.
- Wipes: Effective for chemical and particle analysis on non-porous surfaces.
- MicroVac: Specialized for porous and uneven surfaces.
- Air Sampling: Detects airborne combustion by-products with implications for respiratory health.
| Sampling Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Tape Lifts | Good collection efficiency for particles with typical dust loading; Defined sample area for analysis; Maintains particle integrity during collection; Little to no damage to captured particles |
Low collection efficiency for rough surfaces; Extremely fine particles (e.g., soot) can be obscured by the tape adhesive; TEM confirmation of soot cannot be applied; Limited sampling area per tape lift |
| Wipe | Able to sample relatively large area; Efficient for relatively smooth nonporous surfaces with low or heavy loading; Can be used for TEM soot confirmation analysis and chemical analysis (e.g., PAHs) |
Not appropriate for porous surface; Physical separation of particles collected as agglomerates often results; Liquid agents may degrade or solubilize the particles; Can remove finishes (e.g., paint), affecting analytical results |
| Microvac | Easy sample preparation in the lab; Effective for collecting particles from porous and uneven surfaces; Permits the confirmatory identification of soot by TEM; Permits chemical analysis of collected material |
Ineffective for collecting particles from relative smooth, nonporous surfaces with low loading; Does not preserve positions of particles on the original surface; Can induce damage to delicate structures or agglomerates such as char and ash |
| Air | Easy sample preparation in the lab; Can determine if combustion-by-products is airborne; Can have direct respiratory health implication; Can be used for soot confirmation by TEM |
Limited to airborne particles only; Can be significantly reduced if sampling is done after extensive period from the fire damage |
Analytical services
Our testing capabilities range from basic detection to advanced chemical and microscopic analyses, including:
- Presence/absence analysis of combustion by-products.
- Advanced sourcing analysis to identify the origin of residues.
- Comprehensive chemical profiling for detailed insights.
Tailored testing packages
| Fire Source | Recommended Testing |
| Wildfires - initial inspection and post cleanup verification | PLM, Corrosivity, Anion panels |
| Wildfires - structural impact assessments | PLM, Corrosivity, Anion panel, or Chloride |
| Structural fires | PLM, Corrosivity, TEM/SEM confirmation, Chloride |
| Disaster fires | PLM, Corrosivity, Anion panel, or Chloride |
| Smoke impact from nearby fire (wildfire or structure fire) | TO-13A, TO-15 |
| Forensic investigation | Assemblage |
| TEM Options for most sources also available | EDS and SAED along with powerful magnification ideally suited to these submicron sized particles. |
| AAS FL and ICP Options for most sources also available | Cal-OSHA and NIOSH methods available for metals and metal oxides in dusts and air samples. |
Why partner with Eurofins Built Environment Testing?
With decades of experience, Eurofins Built Environment Testing is a trusted name in fire investigation testing and combustion by-product analysis. Our expertise helps restoration professionals, property managers, and insurance providers tackle fire damage efficiently and effectively.
Benefits of choosing us:
- Accurate Results: Advanced methods and state-of-the-art laboratories ensure precision.
- Custom Solutions: Testing packages tailored to your specific needs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Support for insurance claims and safety requirements.
- Expert Support: Dedicated professionals to guide you through the process.
- Litigation support that requires next level documentation and both photo and QA packages.
Learn more through our additional resources such as case studies, FAQ, and more!
Get started today
Don’t leave fire damage to chance. Contact Eurofins Built Environment Testing for reliable, professional fire investigation testing services. Let us help you restore safety and confidence after a fire.
Learn more about our services today!
