Precise identification of soot, ash, and char for wildfire and structure fire investigations.
Know What the Fire Left Behind: Request a Fire Residue Analysis
Fire Debris Analysis Backed by 40+ Years of Expertise
Environmental Analysis Associates, Inc. (EAA) is a national leader in wildfire and structure fire residue testing—delivering precise, lab-based answers when contamination is in question. Fires leave behind more than just visible damage. The combustion particles released into the air and deposited on surfaces can vary drastically depending on the type of fire. Identifying what’s present—and where it came from—requires advanced tools and decades of experience. That’s where EAA leads the way.
Wildfires typically release a mix of plant-based materials like cellulose, burned soil, crystalline salts, and silica-rich phytoliths—tiny, naturally occurring particles from vegetation. Structure fires, on the other hand, generate a very different particle profile. Combustion of plastics, paints, insulation, and synthetic materials introduces higher concentrations of soot, char, and ash—often alongside metals and polymer residues. These differences are not always visible to the eye, which is why microscopic and elemental analysis is essential.
EAA combines Polarized Light Microscopy, Reflected Light Microscopy, and cutting-edge Automated Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with X-ray analysis to accurately classify combustion particles. This multi-layered approach helps differentiate true fire residue from look-alike interference particles like dust, corrosion, or background carbon. Using our proven system, combustion particles are categorized into soot (carbon-rich spheres), char (structured, plant-derived fragments), and ash (mineral or salt-based particles)—allowing us to pinpoint the source and extent of contamination with clarity.
There are currently no universally accepted standards for fire residue testing. That’s why it’s critical to rely on the latest scientific literature and the most qualified laboratories. EAA follows guidance set by top environmental health and safety organizations, including:
The 2017 AIHA Synergist article: “The ABCs of Wildfire Residue Contamination Testing”
The 2018 AIHA Technical Guide: “Wildfire Impact Assessments for the OEHS Professional”
The 2022 AIHA Synergist article: “Analysis of Wildfire and Structure Fire Combustion Residues”
With over 40 years of experience and the industry’s most advanced tools, EAA delivers forensic-level detail that holds up in both regulatory and legal environments.
Whether you’re managing a post-fire cleanup, insurance claim, or environmental dispute, our team is ready to help you uncover the truth behind the particles.
Even after the smoke clears, microscopic particles can remain behind—on surfaces, in ventilation systems, and in the air you breathe. EAA’s fire residue testing provides clarity. Our detailed reports help property owners, adjusters, and consultants understand what was impacted, where particles have settled, and how to move forward with confidence.
EAA brings more than 40 years of specialized experience, combining trusted scientific methods with exclusive tools like AIR PROFILE™ and automated SEM/X-ray analysis. We don’t just test—we interpret. Our reports provide not only lab results, but expert insights that guide decisions, support claims, and hold up in court.
Our testing services are designed to produce clear, defensible results. We work with attorneys, insurers, and environmental professionals to deliver documentation that stands up to scrutiny. With EAA, you get more than lab data—you get expert analysis, courtroom-ready exhibits, and a partner who understands the entire process.
Using advanced microscopy and automated SEM/X-ray systems, EAA identifies soot, char, and ash—along with key indicators like burned synthetic materials, metals, and vegetation particles. These details help determine the type of fire involved and the extent of impact, guiding cleanup, mitigation, and insurance decisions.
The sooner, the better. Whether it’s after a wildfire, a kitchen fire, or a commercial loss event, EAA can help you document and understand the presence of combustion particles before cleanup begins. Early testing gives you a stronger foundation for insurance claims, environmental planning, and peace of mind.
Sample Reports
(Upon Request)
Fire Residue Testing
Have Questions About Fire Contamination? Contact EAA Today.
Need clarity after a fire? Contact EAA for expert testing and fast, lab-backed answers you can trust.