After a fire, many toxic materials are present at the scene. In older buildings dating from the 1950s-1980s, asbestos fibres are likely in the area, putting you at risk for mesothelioma (cancer). Other dangerous materials such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, nitrogen oxine, and tar are commonly found in areas after a fire. If PVC was burned during the fire, hydrogen chloride, dioxin, chloromethane, bromomethane, halocarbons, may be present. It is also not uncommon to find sulfurs which are detrimental to your health and smell bad. Just wood smoke alone releases over 100 chemicals also found in cigarette smoke. Don’t take any risks and make sure any fire damage is properly cleaned.