Safe Cleanup After a Fire

Take Preventive Safety Measures

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hard hats, safety glasses, leather gloves, reflective vests, and safety shoes are recommended as baseline personal protective equipment for workers in the wildfire area. If performing dust‐creating operations like shoveling soil or the wind creates dust, at minimum, add a P 100 single-use particulate respirator to your PPE.

Work in Pairs: Review situations where employees are expected to work alone for extended periods in the burn area. Consider implementing a two‐person rule with routine radio or phone check‐ins with supervision.

Personal Hygiene: Ash may soil your clothes and skin. Remove exposed clothing, wash it separately, and take a bath or shower immediately after entering the burn area.

Avoid Wild or Stray Animals: If bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention. Wound cleansing is especially important in rabies prevention. Animal studies have shown that thorough wound cleansing alone without other post‐exposure prophylaxis can reduce the likelihood of rabies.

If a snake bites you, try to identify it, so if it is venomous, you can be given the correct anti‐venom. Do not cut your wound or attempt to suck the venom out. Seek immediate medical attention.

Potential Hazards in Debris and Ash After a Fire

Physical Hazards

Debris: Broken glass, exposed electrical wires (whether they are “live” or not), nails, wood, metal, plastics, and other solid objects commonly found in areas of fire damage can cause puncture wounds, cuts, and electrical injuries.

• If unstable building structures, including flooring, stairways, railings, balconies, roofing, and fire escapes, are present, avoid them until the building department has cleared them for safety.
• Open doors and entryways to storage areas carefully, as stored materials may have moved into unstable positions and could fall.

Trees: Avoid burned or damaged trees, as they may be unstable and can fall.

Roadways, Sidewalks, and Bridges: Use caution, as these and other outdoor structures may be damaged or unstable.

Water: Since water may not be available in the fire area, always carry sufficient water to hydrate yourself properly. Water is also used to suppress dust during some activities, so bring water with you if your work requires water to suppress dust.

Electricity: Electrical hazards need to be repaired as soon as possible. Always avoid down or damaged electrical lines. After the fire, electrical power companies address downed or damaged power lines; however, if you see a downed power line, call 911, Xcel Energy at 1‐800‐895‐1999, or IREA (Inter-Mountain Rural Electric Association) at 1-800-332-9540.

Propane: If you smell gas or think you’ve located a leaking propane tank, call 911. Because of the fire, propane providers were asked to inspect their tanks and remove unsafe units. If you find an abandoned tank that looks damaged but isn’t leaking, contact Fred’s Propane Service at 303‐444‐1787 or one of the propane providers in the burn area to help identify who is responsible for that unit.

Traffic & Construction

Alterations in automobile traffic (e.g., rerouted or slowed) may occur due to cleanup or restoration operations and result in heavier‐than‐normal traffic. Be aware of your surroundings and the presence of large construction vehicles.

Propane Tanks

If you have a propane tank system, contact your propane supplier to ensure that your system is properly turned back on. Tanks, brass and copper fittings, and lines may have been damaged by heat and can be unsafe. If the fire burned the tank, the pressure relief valve likely opened and released the contents.

Heating Oil Tanks

If you have a heating oil tank system, contact a heating oil supplier to inspect your system before using it. The tank may have shifted or fallen from the stand, and the fuel lines may have kinked or weakened. The heat from the fire may have caused the tank to warp or bulge. Non-vented tanks are more likely to bulge or show signs of stress. The fire may have loosened or damaged fittings and filters.

Disposal of Household Chemicals

Everyday items, such as household cleaners, fertilizers, and pesticides, contain dangerous chemicals that may have spilled in or near your home during the fire response. Be alert for leaking or compromised containers and reactive household chemicals, such as caustic drain cleaners and chlorine bleach.

Take these steps to prevent injury or damage:

• Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals.
• Do not combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers; doing so might produce dangerous reactions.
• Do not pour chemicals down drains, storm sewers, or toilets.
• Do not try to burn household chemicals.
• Mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed of.
• Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed whenever possible.
• Do not put household chemicals in the trash.

The Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF) facility at 1901 63rd Street, Boulder will take unwanted materials that are in original containers and have not been affected by fire.

Fire Suppressant Safety

Fire suppressant (slurry) contains ammonia and will sting if it gets into cuts or scratches or comes into contact with chapped or sunburned skin.

• Do not use bleach to remove slurry. It does not mix well and may produce harmful vapors for human intake.
• Wear gloves and wash thoroughly with a gentle soap (or Borax) and water to remove all residues.
• After washing, use a good-quality hand cream to minimize drying and chapping.
• Additionally, do not power wash your home to remove slurry. Power washing will drive the slurry further into the grain of your wood and stain it.

Removing Fire Suppressant from Absorbent & Non-Absorbent Surfaces (Wood, Stone, Concrete)

Because the chemicals in fire suppressants can irritate eyes and skin, wear a long-sleeved shirt, nitrile gloves, and safety glasses.

• Start removal efforts as soon as possible.
• Because the suppressant is a water-soluble chemical mixture, using a garden hose will reactivate the chemical and rinse it off a surface. Do not use a pressure washer or bleach, as the high pressure will drive the chemical into the surface, and the bleach may produce harmful vapors with the product. For more difficult stains, use water and laundry detergent or dish soap with a nylon (soft) brush to scrub surfaces.

Pets & Other Animals

• Shampoo thoroughly, as many fire retardant products are very drying to the skin.
• Use sand, soil, or other absorbents to absorb any puddles after shampooing or in areas where animals may have access.
• Avoid ingestion of water – keep animals away from puddles.
• If your pet appears ill after drinking from puddles or standing water, ensure your veterinarian knows the animal may have ingested a fertilizer-based product.

Vegetation

• Rinse retardant off vegetation. Use absorbent materials, such as sand, soil, or other materials, to avoid leaving standing puddles of water.
• Leaf burn may occur since retardants contain higher fertilizer levels than what is often sold at garden stores. This causes vegetation and plants to appear dead after contact; however, they generally recover and grow back—usually within one to two months.
• As with any garden produce, wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before using.

Toxic Hazards

Ash or Dust

Wildfires deposit large amounts of ash on outdoor surfaces in nearby areas, which may irritate the skin, nose, and throat. Ash and dust (particularly from burned buildings) may contain toxic and cancer‐causing chemicals, including asbestos, arsenic, and lead.

After a fire, all workers, residents, and visitors must proceed with caution. Workers should avoid the burn area on windy days when dust levels are high to avoid the dust. Anyone with underlying respiratory health conditions should avoid the fire area until the natural plant cover returns, reducing dust levels.

Supervisors considering respirators must consider employees’ steps to implement a respiratory protection program (fit testing, training and medical qualification). If asked, Boulder County Public Health will provide a list of local companies that can provide the required fit testing, training, and medical qualification when employees use respirators.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

When power has been out, using alternative fuel sources or electricity for heating, cooling, or cooking can cause carbon monoxide to build up in a home, garage, or camper. If inhaled, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Every year, more than 400 people die in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, camper, or outside near an open window.
• You should never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
• Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked inside an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
  If conditions are too hot or cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
• Ensure that your home has at least one working carbon monoxide detector. Check the detector’s batteries twice annually, and check smoke detector batteries at the same time.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are exposed to high carbon monoxide levels while sleeping or after drinking alcohol can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever having symptoms. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, consult a healthcare professional right away.

Learn more about how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Wildfire Air Quality and Health

If you can see or smell smoke during a wildfire, it is recommended that you avoid outdoor physical activities. If visibility in your neighborhood decreases to less than five miles, smoke has reached unhealthy levels.

Children, Elderly and People with Respiratory Conditions

If you can see or smell smoke, children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions should stay inside with the windows and doors closed. If it is hot outside, run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including fatigue, nausea, headache, and vomiting, and contact your doctor immediately if these occur.

Summer and Sports Camps

Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors. Avoid outdoor camp activities if you can see or smell smoke.

Older Adults

Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, as they have higher levels of heart or lung diseases than younger people. Check on older adult friends or relatives.

Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Healthy Individuals

When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may experience coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes, and a runny nose. If you can see or smell smoke, limit outdoor physical activities and stay indoors if possible.

Wildfire smoke contains pollutants that can be harmful to health. Particles from smoke tend to be very small and can, therefore, be inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lung, which may represent a greater health concern than larger particles. Even in healthy people, this can cause temporary reductions in lung function and pulmonary inflammation. Particulate matter can also affect the body’s immune system.

Pets and Livestock

Animals are impacted by wildfire smoke just like humans. If you feel the effects of smoke, they probably do, too. Learn how to protect your pets and livestock during a wildfire.

• Protect your pets from wildfire smoke
• Protect your large animals and livestock from wildfire smoke

Precautions

• Do not rely on paper dust masks found at hardware stores. These masks are not designed to block the small particles generated by wildfire smoke.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• If you have an air conditioner, run it, but ensure the fresh air intake vent is closed and the filter is clean. If not, turn the system off.
• Evaporative cooling systems can also pull in air from the outside. Consider using a portable evaporative cooler to avoid pulling air pollution into your house.
• If these remedies are insufficient, you may want to relocate to another location away from the smoke.

Food Safety After a Fire

Disaster Guides

• Disaster Guide (English)
• Disaster Guide (Spanish)
• Disaster Guide (Chinese)

Four factors can compromise food exposed to fire:

• The heat of the fire
• Smoke fumes
• Chemicals used to fight the fire
• Power outage as a result of the fire

Heat

Food in cans or jars may appear fine but not edible if exposed to fire’s heat. Heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is severe, the cans or jars can split or rupture, resulting in unsafe food.

Smoke Fumes

Toxic fumes, which may be released from burning materials, are one of the most dangerous elements of a fire. The fumes can be hazardous, and they can also contaminate food.

• Discard any food stored in permeable packaging, such as cardboard or plastic wrap. Toxic fumes can permeate the packaging and contaminate the food.
• Discard any raw foods stored outside the refrigerator, such as potatoes or fruit, as fumes could contaminate them. Even food stored in the refrigerator or freezer can become contaminated by fumes, as the seals are not necessarily airtight.

If food from your refrigerator or freezer has an off-flavor or odor when prepared, it should be discarded and not eaten.

Chemicals Used to Fight Fires

Chemicals used to fight fires contain toxic materials that can contaminate food and cookware. While some of the chemicals may be listed as non-toxic to humans, they can be harmful if swallowed and not washed off of food.

• Discard foods that have been exposed to chemicals, including:
  • Food stored at room temperature, such as fruit and vegetables
  • Food stored in permeable containers, like cardboard and screw-topped jars and bottles

Canned goods and cookware exposed to chemicals can be decontaminated without severe heat (see “heat” above).

• Wash canned goods and cookware exposed to chemicals with soap and hot water. Then dip them in a bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach per quart of water) for 15 minutes, rinse, and let air dry.

Power Outage

The main concern with perishables stored in the refrigerator and freezer is the availability of electrical power. Refrigerated items should be safe, provided the power is off for about two hours or less. If the power has been off for more than two hours:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Open the refrigerator as little as possible.
• Discard any perishable food held at temperatures above 41°F for more than 2 hours.
• Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• Discard food that looks suspicious in your refrigerator and freezer, such as the presence of liquid or refrozen meat juices, soft or melted and refrozen ice cream, or unusual odors.

Learn how to clean and sanitize after a fire

Never taste food to determine its safety. Food unfit for human consumption is also unfit for pets. If in doubt, throw it out.

Medication

Medication exposed to heat, smoke, soot, or water should not be consumed or applied to the skin. If you have medication that may be contaminated, dispose of it by mixing it with coffee grounds, kitty litter, or glue.

Learn more about proper pharmaceutical disposal.

Food Safety Resources

USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline

1-800-535-4555
Recorded messages and assistance is available in both English and Spanish.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Information about hazards, safe cleanup, and preventing illness and injury
1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636; TTY 1-888-232-6348
Available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Information about safe food handling for foods other than meat, poultry, or egg products
1-888-SAFEFOOD or 1-888-723-3366

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Food and water in an emergency

After a Fire: Wells and Wastewater Safety

Your well or septic system could be adversely affected by the fire, power outages, equipment failure from fire damage, or contamination of water supplies. Be prepared, and have plenty of bottled water available for drinking and cooking when you return home.

Have your water tested before using for drinking, brushing teeth, or cooking purposes and for washing dishes or other cooking utensils. Bacteria and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds could have contaminated drinking water from pressure loss due to power outages or heat and fire damage to the well, plumbing or structures connected to the well.

Wells

• Visually inspect your well and other components of your water system for damage including melted wiring for pumps and the well head.
• If the well head has been damaged, temporarily cap or cover the well with a 5 gallon bucket to prevent contaminants from entering. If you find damage to your well or water system, contact an appropriate contractor to repair the damage and test the water.
• Thoroughly flush your water lines and be sure to change any water filters in your house and appliances.
• Have your water tested for bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (SVOC’s).
  • Allow the water to sit undisturbed (stagnate) for 72 hours prior to testing.
  • For more information on Water Testing.

Water Use While Awaiting Test Results

While awaiting results of water testing, plan to use bottled water for cooking, drinking and brushing your teeth. You can use the water for flushing toilets.

• Information for Well Owners on testing, damage and contamination
• Information for inspecting a home and water systems after a fire

Septic Systems

When returning to your property, inspect the area where your septic system is located for signs of damage from fire and traffic from fire-fighting operations. If you feel your septic system may have been damaged, discontinue use until a licensed professional has inspected the system. The system may have been impacted if:

• Plastic piping above ground has melted.
• Evidence of vehicle traffic in the area of the system.
• The raised system was in the direct line of fire (i.e. grass on top is scorched).
• There is damage in the area where the pipes enter the home.
• Guidance for Property Owners Impacted by Wildfires with Homes Served by Wells and Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Learn More

• SepticSmart: Check Septic Records
• SepticSmart Licensed Professionals and Resources
• Licensed Well Contractors

Mental Health After a Wildfire

A natural disaster like a wildfire can significantly impact your emotional well-being. Take steps to ensure that you are taking care of your emotional needs during times of crisis.

Emotional Awareness

The aftermath of a wildfire can include mood swings, sleep disruption, and stress reactions. It is important to be alert to your feelings so they do not become overwhelming. Weather patterns, such as high wind or lightning, may cause increased stress, anxiety, or physical symptoms related to stress, such as stomach aches or headaches.

Protect Your Emotional Well-Being

Feeling emotional after a disaster is normal, but there are things you can do to take care of yourself and others.

• Find opportunities to spend time with other people so that you stay connected.
• Talk to a trusted friend or adviser about what you are feeling.
• Participate in activities that you enjoy.
• Take frequent breaks from cleanup efforts.
• Write in a journal.
• Exercise (indoors if air quality is poor).
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Practice good sleep hygiene.
• Avoid relying on substances like alcohol or marijuana for stress relief. During times of great stress, their use can be counterproductive and lead to more stress, anxiety, and physical symptoms.

Help Your Children through the Crisis

Parents are advised to pay close attention to their children’s emotional well-being. Pay attention to your child’s questions and tell them you are there to listen. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be honest with your answers to your children’s questions, but don’t provide more information than necessary.
• Validate your children’s feelings. They may be feeling scared, confused, or angry.
• Provide opportunities for your children to talk and explore other outlets for their expression, such as drawing or playing.
• Limit exposure to media.
• Avoid irrational promises like, “This won’t happen again.”
• Maintain the same daily schedule as possible (e.g., bedtime rituals).
• Ensure your children eat healthy food, exercise, and sleep well.
• Contact your students’ school or child care center for resources and to see if they have noticed any changes in your child.

Watch for Behavior Changes in Your Children

Children may cry more, act out, exhibit regressive behavior like bedwetting, or show other changes in demeanor. These are normal stress responses and are usually temporary. Reassure your children that you are there for them. Watch for physical symptoms like stress-related stomach aches and headaches.

Seek Help if You Need It

It may take a while before you feel back to normal. If you are experiencing any of the following, please seek professional help.

• Difficulty managing your emotions
• Trouble completing daily tasks
• Caring for yourself or your family

Mental Health Resources

• Mental Health Partners
• Boulder County Crisis Counseling
• Let’s Talk Colorado
• Crisis Resources from Rocky Mountain Equality
• The Trevor Project
• WellMind Connection

Tetanus Risk after a Fire

As cleanup efforts begin after a wildfire, there is a risk of injury. Tetanus is a concern for persons with both open and closed wounds, and tetanus vaccination is recommended for all residents returning to the burn area who have not had a documented dose within the past ten years. Prompt first aid management for wounds and infection prevention are other important considerations.

A healthcare professional should determine if a tetanus booster is necessary for puncture wounds or wounds contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva-based on individual records.

Tetanus Prevention

• Patients without a clear history of receiving at least three tetanus vaccinations and who have any wounds should get the tetanus immune globulin (TIG) and the tetanus vaccination.
• Tetanus in the United States is most commonly reported in people over 40 because they are less likely to be adequately vaccinated.
• Women over 55 are especially susceptible because they likely lack protective levels of tetanus antibodies.
• Diabetics are at increased risk for tetanus. Reported tetanus is about three times more common in diabetics, and fatalities are about four times more common.
• Non-acute wounds account for about 1 in 6 reported tetanus cases; 1 in 12 reported cases had no reported injury or lesion.

Wound Care

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if:

• There is a foreign object embedded in the wound.
• The wound is at special risk of infection (such as a dog bite or a puncture by a dirty object).
• A previous wound shows signs of becoming infected (e.g., increased pain and soreness, swelling, redness, draining, or you develop a fever).

Care for Minor Wounds

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water.
• Avoid touching the wound with your fingers while treating it.
• Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing from the injured area.
• Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wound to control bleeding.
• Clean the wound after the bleeding has stopped:
  • Examine wounds for dirt and foreign objects.
  • Gently flood the wound with clean water.
  • Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Pat the wound dry and apply an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth.
• Provide pain relievers, if possible.

Other Considerations

• Wounds in contact with soil and sand can become infected.
• Puncture wounds can carry bits of clothing and dirt into wounds, resulting in infection.
• Crush injuries are more likely to become infected than wounds from cuts.

Asbestos in Ash and Debris

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral added to many building materials to improve fire resistance, strength, and durability. Any building, even if recently constructed, may contain asbestos. Asbestos fibers likely remain in the ash when building materials burn in a wildfire. Therefore, the ash and remaining building debris must be treated as asbestos-containing waste material unless a certified Colorado asbestos building inspector samples the debris and ash and can determine that the debris is asbestos-free.

General Safety Recommendations

1. Avoid Entry: Do not enter partially damaged buildings or handle debris without precautions.
2. Protective Measures: Wear protective clothing and equipment.
3. Tetanus Vaccine: Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date (within the last ten years).

For Completely Destroyed Buildings

Safe Handling (as Required by Regulation)

Required by CDPHE Regulation

• Wet ash/debris to minimize dust.
• Package in lined containers sealed with double 6-mil plastic.
• Scrape the surrounding soil to remove all debris.

Approved Landfills for Disposal

• Tower Landfill, Commerce City
  • Steve Derus, 720-590-4046
• Denver Arapaho Disposal Site, Aurora
  • Chris Anderson, 720-876-2633
• Buffalo Ridge Landfill, Keenesburg
  • Michelle Wittenbrink, 303-229-8085
• Larimer County Landfill, Fort Collins
  • Duane Penney, 970-498-7560

Important: Contact landfills before delivery to confirm acceptance.

• Recycling: Metal and concrete can be recycled if inspected and cleaned.
• Notification: Submit the Disposal Notification Form to CDPHE (no fee).

For Partially Damaged Buildings

1. Inspection: Must be inspected by a certified asbestos building inspector (prior to any renovations or debris handling).
2. Removal: If asbestos is present at trigger levels, remove it according to Colorado Regulation No. 8, Part B.

For Outbuildings

Outbuildings and associated structures are treated as part of the single-family residential dwelling unless they are used for commercial purposes (i.e., the barn is rented to others to store hay or run a livery stable, sell eggs from the chickens or milk from the cows or have an Air B & B over the garage, etc.)

While outbuildings and associated structures are treated as part of the single-family residential dwelling, the intent is to treat outbuildings as part of the residence unless the abatement of the structure could somehow affect people other than the family living in the home.

Specific Regulatory Requirements

Known Asbestos-Containing Buildings

• Follow Colorado Regulation No. 8, Part B for removal and disposal.
• Check CDPHE’s Asbestos page for resources.

CDPHE Guidance for Cleaning Asbestos After a Wildfire

• Residential Cleanup of Ash Containing Asbestos
• Public and Commercial Cleanup of Ash Containing Asbestos
• Disposal Notification Form
• CDPHE Indoor Environment Program: (720) 507-5136 or cdphe.asbestos@state.co.us
• CDPHE Asbestos

For more information and a complete explanation, please see the CDPHE guide regarding asbestos cleanup after a fire.