All persons accessing burned structures should be aware of the potential hazards associated with those sites. Cleanup efforts at these sites may expose you to ash, soot, and fire decomposition products that can cause health effects including, but not limited to, eye/skin/respiratory irritation. If possible, try to AVOID direct contact with ash. If you get ash on your skin, in your eyes, or in your mouth, wash it off as soon as you can, with clean or sterile water. We do not advise ash clean‐up while ash is still falling, and the situation is unpredictable. Wait until conditions improve.

Ash from burned structures is generally more hazardous than forest ash. For these reasons, it is advisable to be cautious and avoid any unnecessary exposure to the ash.

For more information, see the following guidance documents below:

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Building Fire Ash Health Information
INFORMACIÓN DE SALUD DE CENIZA DE ESTRUCTURAS QUEMADAS