Massive wildfires are part of the new norm in California and it's making gardeners concerned that smoke and ash are ruining their produce. We know that plants can absorb toxins that fires release into the air, but is the garden fresh produce that you worked so hard to grow still safe to eat? One study conducted in Sonoma County indicates that the health benefits from eating produce outweigh the risks from contamination and identifies best practices for growing food in areas impacted by wildfires. Check out these links for more information: 

Produce Safety after Urban Wildfire. This webpage by the University of California Cooperative Extension provides extensive information about the Post Fire Food Safety Community Science Study.

Produce Safety after a Fire. This 2 page PDF is an overview of health risks and best practices for local food growers.