According to the USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service’s April 16, 2010 report, some 2 million American homes are in flames yearly. When we think of the aftermath of a home fire, we think of the people left to salvage not only their belongings, but their lives.

What about salvaging food after a fire? Generally, saving food that has been in a fire is not a good idea, even if it is canned and sealed.

Food exposed to fire can be compromised by three factors: the heat of the fire, smoke fumes, and chemicals used to fight fire.

• Heat from the Fire
  Food in cans or jars may appear to be okay, but if they’ve been close to the heat of a fire, they may no longer be safe. Why? Heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria, and, if the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can split or rupture, also making the food unsafe.
  
• Fumes from a Fire
  Toxic fumes released from the burning materials can sometimes be more dangerous than the fire itself. Those fumes can kill, and they can also contaminate food. Any type of food that is stored in packaging that can be penetrated – cardboard, plastic wrap, etc. – should be thrown out. Toxic fumes can penetrate the packaging and contaminate the food. Discard any raw foods stored outside the refrigerator – such as potatoes or fruit – that could be contaminated by fumes.
  
  What about the food that is stored in the refrigerator or freezer? They, too, can also be contaminated by fumes. The refrigerator/freezer seal is not airtight and fumes can get inside.

• Chemicals in Fires
  Chemicals that are used to fight fires contain toxic materials and can contaminate food and cookware! These chemicals cannot be washed off the food. Foods that are exposed to chemicals should be thrown away. This includes food that is stored at room temperature, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as foods stored in permeable containers like cardboard and screw-topped jars and bottles. To decontaminate cookware, first wash them in a strong detergent solution. Then soak in a bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach per quart of water) for 15 minutes. Wash, rinse, and air dry.