Spokane Health District Issues Fire-Damaged Home Safety Guidance

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  Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) released new health guidance on August 12, 2026“Health Guidance for Residents Returning to Fire-Damaged or Destroyed Homes Aug 12, 2026 spokane complex fire, asbestos, wildfire cleanup Media Contacts Lisa Woodard, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency and Kelli Hawkins, Spokane Regional Health District Lisa Woodard [email protected] Kelli Hawkins [email protected] Use extreme caution and follow asbestos cleanup and removal requirementsSpokane, Wash. - Residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the Spokane Complex fires may be able to enter their property after emergency officials authorize re-entry. However, a property being cleared for re-entry does not mean a fire-damaged structure is safe to enter, clean or occupy.”
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  The guidance is for residents returning to properties damaged or destroyed by the Spokane Complex fires“Health Guidance for Residents Returning to Fire-Damaged or Destroyed Homes Aug 12, 2026 spokane complex fire, asbestos, wildfire cleanup Media Contacts Lisa Woodard, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency and Kelli Hawkins, Spokane Regional Health District Lisa Woodard [email protected] Kelli Hawkins [email protected] Use extreme caution and follow asbestos cleanup and removal requirementsSpokane, Wash. - Residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the Spokane Complex fires may be able to enter their property after emergency officials authorize re-entry.”
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  The guidance warns that even after officials authorize re-entry, fire-damaged structures may still contain hazardous materials“However, a property being cleared for re-entry does not mean a fire-damaged structure is safe to enter, clean or occupy. Fire-damaged homes and burned properties can contain hidden structural hazards, toxic ash, asbestos, lead, damaged electrical systems, leaking fuel or chemicals, and other dangerous materials.”
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  Hazardous materials include asbestos, lead, unstable structures, and damaged utilities“Fire-damaged homes and burned properties can contain hidden structural hazards, toxic ash, asbestos, lead, damaged electrical systems, leaking fuel or chemicals, and other dangerous materials.”
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  SRHD emphasizes that residents should not enter properties until cleared by officials“Do not enter a burned or damaged home until fire officials or the appropriate authority have cleared the structure for entry.”
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  Residents must wear protective gear like N95 masks and gloves when assessing damage“Wear gloves, long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes and eye protection. Cleanup kits with the appropriate personal protective equipment are available through the American Red Cross at the Disaster Assistance Center, Shadle Park High School, open through Wed., Aug. 12. Wear a properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator when exposure to ash or debris cannot be avoided. If asbestos is suspected, P100 or N100 masks are recommended.”
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  Residents can obtain free safety kits with gloves, eye protection, and N95 respirators from the American Red Cross“Cleanup kits with the appropriate personal protective equipment are available through the American Red Cross at the Disaster Assistance Center, Shadle Park High School, open through Wed., Aug. 12.”
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  Free safety kits are available at Shadle Park High SchoolNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Free safety kits are available through August 12, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  SRHD advises against disturbing ash or debris until an asbestos test is completed by a certified inspector“Do not remove ash or debris until a survey (test) is conducted by an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)-certified building inspector.”