Wildfire Ash May be Toxic

Photos by Al Francis, NapaSonomaPhotos.com
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The Valley Fire, which has killed three people, injured four firefighters, and destroyed at least 1,050 structures, has been determined by Cal Fire to be the sixth most damaging wildfire in California’s recent history, ranked by the number of structures burned.

The Valley Fire has burned at least 75,100 acres in Lake, Napa and Sonoma Counties since it started on Sept. 12 around 1:25 p.m. in the Cobb area of unincorporated Lake County.

Damage assessment teams are still working in the area, and the number of affected structures may increase by several hundred as more information becomes available, firefighters said.

Meanwhile, residents returning home should be cautious about cleaning up ash left behind by the blaze, according to the California Department of Public Health. Ash from trees and vegetative matter is relatively non-toxic, but ash from burned homes and commercial structures can contain chemicals, asbestos and other substances that can be toxic if inhaled or touched with wet skin, according to the CDPH.

Ashes can irritate the nose, throat and lungs if inhaled. It can also cause coughing or trigger asthma attacks, according to the CDPH.

In the event of contact with human skin, affected residents are advised to wash ashes off as soon as possible, since some wet ash can cause chemical burns.

Avoid letting children play in the ash and wash the ash off toys before letting children play with them, CDPH officials said.

It’s also good to clean the ashes off of pets.

The use of leaf blowers and vacuum cleaners is not recommended, as they can blow ash particles into the air where they can be inhaled, according to the CDPH.

Gardeners are also advised to wash the ashes off of any homegrown fruits or vegetables before consumption.

Likewise, if ash drifted into your yard , be cautious when cleaning it up.

--Bay City News