Health considerations for base housing after fire

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Brian Sassaman
  • 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron/Bioenvironmental Engineering
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. --  The recent base fire Aug. 16 demolished numerous buildings and created a smoke plume that passed over base housing. Travis members were asked to shelter in their homes with the windows closed and air conditioning units turned off as a means to prevent exposure to the smoke from the fire.

Standard construction materials and vegetation (grass, trees, etc.) appear to be the main burn components of this fire. As a precautionary measure, air samples were collected within the plume; results did not indicate the presence of any hazardous materials. Additionally, surface swipe testing was performed inside Central and Scandia Elementary Schools, Child Development Center 3, the Youth Center and Chapel One. No swipe sample exceeded federal or state health guidelines. The buildings are safe for use; however, the Youth Center is currently closed for additional cleaning and odor control.

Most healthy people will not have any medical problems -- acute or long-term -- following limited exposure to mild or moderate smoke. Special populations, such as the elderly or very young, and those with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis may be at increased risk for having acute symptoms due to smoke exposure. Those concerned about respiratory symptoms, should seek medical attention.

If you are concerned about a residual odor of smoke inside your house, then basic cleaning is advisable. This would include damp wiping of all surface areas, damp mopping bare floors, and dry-vacuuming of carpets and curtains. Consider opening all windows in your house for a period of time after cleaning.

If your air conditioning unit was turned off during the fire, then a routine filter change is fine. If your unit was kept on during the fire, then changing the filter would be advisable. As a general precaution, if food such as fruits and vegetables were left out during the fire, they should be rinsed before eating.

Travis members who notice ash on yards or in play areas should consider watering the area with a hose or sprinkler to minimize the suspension of any particles.

For any further questions, contact the David Grant USAF Medical Center's Bioenvironmental Engineering flight at 423-5490.