5 Reasons to Test Your Soil After Fire Damage

After a fire, the danger doesn’t end when the flames go out. The soil around your property may still hold toxic remnants.

Insurance carriers will often push for fast cleanups and quick claim closures. But when remediation is rushed, your health could be at risk if there are still unseen harmful toxins on your property.

Most homeowners focus on visible cleanup: debris removal, smoke restoration, and rebuilding. But one overlooked step is soil testing.

Here are five reasons why it’s one of the most important parts of remediation after a fire.

1. Fire Can Leave Behind Hidden Contaminants

When homes, vehicles, and everyday materials burn, they release more than smoke. Paint, plastics, treated wood, and electronics emit heavy metals and chemicals that can settle deep into the ground.

According to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), post-fire soil often contains lead, arsenic, and mercury, all of which can pose serious health risks. Even if your home wasn’t directly damaged, nearby fires can sometimes leave contaminated ash across your property.

Recent testing by Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Health highlights why soil testing matters. In their findings from the Palisades and Eaton Fire burn zones, soil in the Palisades area came back clean, but ten sites in the Eaton Fire zone tested positive for lead. County officials linked the contamination to older homes with lead-based paint, which was common before 1979, and advised residents to test their soil or consult environmental professionals before rebuilding.

2. Contaminated Soil Can Affect Your Family and Pets

Toxic soil doesn’t just impact your landscaping. It can quietly affect your family’s health years after a fire.

• Children and pets are at the highest risk, especially if they play outside.
• Plants and gardens may absorb heavy metals or fail to grow.
• Water runoff can carry contaminants into nearby yards or streams.

We’re seeing this firsthand at Rubin Adjusting. In recent wildfire claims, hygienist reports have recommended gutting entire homes that at first seemed to have only smoke damage. It’s a powerful reminder of how far contamination can reach and why comprehensive testing is critical before families return home.

3. Testing Protects Your Property Value

If contamination isn’t identified early, it can lead to costly mitigation later and may even reduce your property’s resale value. Buyers and builders often request soil safety documentation, and without it, you could face:

• Delays
• Added expenses
• Reduced offers

Verified soil testing could help ensure your rebuild happens on safe, stable ground. That way, your investment is protected and your peace of mind.

4. It Strengthens Your Insurance Claim

Soil contamination often falls into a gray area in insurance policies. Some carriers cover it under debris removal or restoration, while others try to classify it as environmental damage.

Documented soil test results can make all the difference. They help prove that contamination was caused by the fire, not pre-existing conditions, which is essential to securing full coverage for remediation. When handled properly, this documentation supports a stronger, more comprehensive claim.

5. A Public Adjuster Can Ensure Nothing Gets Missed

Fire recovery is stressful enough without having to interpret environmental reports or argue over policy language. A licensed public adjuster can help.

Rubin Adjusting works directly with environmental consultants to coordinate soil testing, document findings, and negotiate with your insurance carrier to ensure the full scope of damage is recognized. Our team helps protect homeowners from the long-term risks of incomplete remediation, ensuring your recovery is thorough, compliant, and safe.

Soil Testing Could Help You Protect Yourself For Years To Come

Soil testing may seem like a small step, but it’s one of the most important things you can do after a fire. Don’t rebuild on uncertain ground; make sure your soil is safe, documented, and covered in your claim.

Rubin Adjusting has over 50 years of experience helping California homeowners recover after wildfires. Our team ensures your claim reflects every layer of loss, above and below the surface. Contact us today for a free consultation.