Fire and Smoke Consulting

Structural and wild fires can have a significant impact on property, health of occupants, and the indoor environment. APEX is an established industry leader in the field of fire and smoke evaluations.  In the aftermath of a fire, combustion by-products are gases and small particles that are emitted through the incomplete burning of fuels such as oil, gas, synthetics, wood, c-oal, and propane. The particulate matter can include soot, char, ash, metal oxides and inorganic solids. These materials can be acutely hazardous to humans since they can contain heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other harmful contaminants. A meaningful investigation following any fire and smoke damage event should include an evaluation of combustion-by-products, as the extent of contamination can be more extensive than what it appears to be through visual or qualitative sampling only. APEX routinely performs detailed assessments following a fire or smoke event in order to determine the extent of impact on a building’s structure, finishes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, and contents. In addition, testing can also be performed during or after a mitigation effort in order to guide insurance carriers, building owners, and restoration professionals in their remediation efforts.

Specifically, APEX can provide the following testing and consulting services in a post-fire environment: