Authored by Rimkus Forensics Marketing Team
Published July 7, 2026
Wildfires continue to create increasingly complex environmental, health, insurance, and property damage challenges across North America. As wildfire events expand in frequency, severity, and geographic reach, organizations and property owners are increasingly seeking scientifically grounded approaches to evaluating smoke impacts, environmental contamination, occupant exposure concerns, and remediation effectiveness.
Rimkus Environmental Practice Leader Marshall Krotenberg, C.I.H, C.S.P., contributed to the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Technical Guide for Wildfire Impact Assessments of the OEHS Professional, 2nd Edition, which was recently recognized as the recipient of the AIHA’s 2025 Critics’ Choice Award.
The guide serves as a technical resource for occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals involved in wildfire impact assessments and post-fire environmental evaluations. It addresses considerations related to wildfire smoke intrusion, contamination assessment methodologies, sampling approaches, remediation evaluation, and communication of findings.
Advancing Technical Guidance for Wildfire Assessments
The second edition of the guide reflects evolving industry knowledge surrounding wildfire-related environmental impacts and the growing need for technically rigorous assessment methodologies.
CPAG reviewers described the guide as a “timely and relevant publication” that supports effective risk management for an emerging and increasingly prevalent risk. Reviewers also praised its “cutting edge” integration of combustion, atmospheric, and industrial hygiene chemistry.
Professionals across insurance, legal, commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, hospitality, and residential sectors may rely on wildfire impact assessments to help evaluate:
- Smoke and particulate intrusion
- Surface contamination concerns
- HVAC system impacts
- Indoor environmental quality
- Occupant exposure considerations
- Post-remediation verification
- Property condition documentation following wildfire events
Why Wildfire Impact Assessments Matter
Wildfire events can affect properties well beyond the immediate burn area. Smoke, soot, ash, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ultra-fine particulates may travel significant distances and impact buildings, contents, HVAC systems, and indoor air quality.
Determining the extent, nature, and significance of wildfire-related impacts often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving industrial hygiene, environmental science, building science, and analytical testing methodologies.
A technically sound wildfire impact assessment may help stakeholders:
- Understand the extent of contamination
- Inform remediation strategies
- Evaluate occupant safety considerations
- Support insurance and risk management decisions
- Document conditions for litigation or regulatory matters
- Assess remediation effectiveness
Supporting Scientifically Grounded Wildfire Evaluations
As wildfire risks continue to affect communities and businesses across multiple regions, technically sound assessment methodologies remain critical to understanding environmental impacts and informing response strategies.
Marshall’s contribution to the AIHA’s award-winning guide reflects Rimkus’ broader commitment to delivering scientifically grounded analysis across complex environmental, industrial hygiene, and property-related matters.
Access the full Technical Guide for Wildfire Impact Assessments of the OEHS Professional, 2nd Edition here.
This article is intended to provide general information and insights into prevailing industry practices. It is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, technical, or professional advice. The content does not replace consultation with a qualified expert or professional regarding the specific facts and circumstances of any particular matter.