Protecting Schools Against the Risks of Wildfire Smoke Particulate Matter

Wildfires are occurring more frequently than ever before, and the smoke from those fires is threatening the health of not only those who live near the fire but can adversely impact schools and communities hundreds of miles away. Air quality degradation due to wildfire smoke often puts school administrators in the uncomfortable position of balancing… Read more »

Oregon Adopts New Heat and Wildfire Smoke Rules

Oregon OSHA recently published two new rules to protect workers from the effects of excessive exposure to heat and wildfire smoke. Both will require certain preparatory actions from employers. In this article, we’ll summarize the new Oregon OSHA requirements and alert Oregon businesses of the importance of developing a strategy for compliance with the regulations…. Read more »

Wildfire Smoke Regulations and the COVID Epidemic

One Cal/OSHA COVID-19 regulation (3205) requires employers to maximize outside air ventilation to prevent the spread of the virus. Another Cal/OSHA mandate (5141.1) requires minimum exposure to outside air. Which rule should a facilities manager follow? How can you protect employees from the potentially harmful effects of smoke from wildfire, continue to combat COVID, and… Read more »

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and Wildfire Smoke Preparation Planning

Wildfire preparation plans are essential for helping staff at schools, hospitals, and other commercial buildings prepare for smoke intrusion and other complications that may arise from wildland fires, but they often fall short on covering something that can be just as critical: power outages. Last year’s fire season in California provided real-life examples of the… Read more »

California Protection from Wildfire Smoke: An Overview

Are you prepared for a wildfire smoke emergency? If you’re a California employer, monitoring air quality and taking action to protect the health of your employees against high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during wildfires is no longer an option. You’re now required by law to take certain actions, unless you qualify for an… Read more »

Wildfire Planning for Business: Prepare, Respond, Recover

Despite regular tips and pleas from the United States Forest Service and other agencies, wildfires still happen and wildfire planning is still needed. Whether ignited by a careless camper or a lightning storm, it’s 100 percent certain that forests are going to burn, highways are going to be closed, and people are going to suffer… Read more »

Wildfire Smoke and its Impact on Your Home

Massive wildfires continue to devastate the west coast and are expected to increase as we enter fire season. These wildfires cause millions of dollars in damage, neighborhood displacement, and emotional distress for property owners and occupants. In the wake of this destruction, many property owners, insurance companies, and neighboring residents are looking for answers. Has my home been impacted? What needs to be cleaned? Is it safe for me to clean it myself?

Wildfire Smoke Awareness

Brush and Forest Fires

This is a difficult time for many in the Southwest United States as we witness the devastation and damage of the raging wildfires. At Forensic Analytical Consulting Services (FACS), our passion is protecting the health of people, families, communities and the environment through assessment, education and prevention. As such, we hope you find the following information and resources beneficial.

Wildfire Smoke Environmental Health Bulletin

Brush and Forest Fires This is a difficult time for many in the Southwest United States as we witness the devastation and damage of  the raging wildfires. At Forensic Analytical Consulting Services (FACS), our passion is protecting the health of people, families, communities and the environment through assessment, education and prevention.  As such, we hope… Read more »