California’s Proposed Post-Fire Testing Guidelines: What It Means for Property Owners

In the aftermath of the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires, many property owners faced a question that sounds simple but is anything but: When is a home truly safe to return to?

In response to growing concerns about inconsistent cleanup standards, John Harabedian introduced Assembly Bill 1642 (AB 1642). The bill would direct California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control to develop statewide, science-based guidance for testing and removing wildfire contamination from still-standing homes, schools, and surrounding soil.

If adopted, the guidance would aim to clarify what appropriate post-fire testing and remediation should look like. For homeowners, that could mean fewer gray areas about habitability and safety.

California has long recognized the importance of soil evaluation after major wildfire events. But even if the state establishes clearer standards, one critical reality remains: Insurance claims are still governed by policy language, scope assessments, and documentation. When contamination is under-tested or under-scoped, restoration may fall short of what is actually required.

Wildfires Don’t Just Burn Structures. They Release Toxic Contaminants

When people think of wildfire damage, they often picture flames and structural destruction. But wildfire exposure is not limited to what is visibly burned.

Wildfires release a complex mixture of contaminants, including:

• Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury
• Combustion byproducts from plastics, electronics, and synthetic building materials
• Fine particulate soot and ash
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

These particles can travel significant distances beyond the fire perimeter. Even homes that never caught fire may be exposed to airborne debris and microscopic contaminants that settle on surfaces, infiltrate insulation, and circulate through ventilation systems.

A home can remain standing and still be significantly contaminated.

Smoke Damage Is Not Always Visible

One of the most misunderstood aspects of wildfire contamination is that it does not always present obvious signs. Microscopic smoke particles can embed in:

• Drywall
• Wood framing
• Carpet and upholstery
• HVAC ductwork
• Insulation

A surface wipe-down may remove visible residue. But the absence of visible soot does not necessarily mean the absence of contamination.

This is especially true when HVAC systems are involved. Air handling systems can draw in contaminated air during a wildfire event and redistribute particles throughout the home long after flames are extinguished. When contamination is microscopic, proper testing becomes essential.

The Problem With Narrow Testing Protocols

One of the central issues surrounding AB 1642 is the lack of uniform standards for what should be tested after a wildfire.

In many claims we review, insurance carriers authorize testing for a limited range of contaminants, often focusing on materials such as lead or asbestos. While those substances are important, they do not represent the full range of contaminants released during a wildfire.

Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and mercury may also be present. Combustion byproducts from synthetic materials can introduce additional toxic compounds into indoor environments. If certain contaminants are not included in the testing protocol, they are unlikely to be addressed in the remediation plan.

Health Concerns That May Not Appear Immediately

Wildfire contamination can also affect indoor environmental quality. In some cases, symptoms do not appear immediately after reoccupation. Months later, families may report:

• Persistent respiratory irritation
• Chronic headaches or fatigue
• Brain fog or neurological symptoms
• Skin irritation
• Hormonal or reproductive concerns

We have seen situations where incomplete remediation led to lingering issues after families returned home. Clear, science-based standards could help reduce this uncertainty. Until then, careful evaluation and documentation remain critical.

Standards Matter, But So Does Proper Claim Advocacy

California’s proposed post-fire testing guidelines reflect growing recognition that wildfire contamination in still-standing homes requires clearer standards. But until uniform standards are fully implemented, property owners must ensure their individual claim reflects the true scope of contamination.

If your insurer has approved only limited cleaning following wildfire exposure, or if you have concerns about whether your home was properly evaluated, Rubin Adjusting can review your policy and help you determine whether the full scope of damage has been appropriately addressed. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.