Fire Damage from a Soot Perspective

Over the past two decades restoration of fire and smoke impacted buildings has increased dramatically. In response to these impacts both inspection protocols and microscopical analysis methods have been devised by the Restoration Institute of America (RIA) [in cooperation with the IESO]. The analysis can be supplemented by the ASTM method of soot analysis if so desired. Other techniques can also be used to help identify or supplement identification of sources of fire impact and the level of impact. A set of four fire cases involving the analysis of char & soot are used to illustrate the methods and techniques available in these cases.