Spokane Health District Issues Fire Return Guidelines

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  Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) issued new health guidance on August 9, 2026“Spokane Complex Fires: Health Guidance for Residents Returning to Homes Without Obvious Fire Damage Aug 09, 2026 Media Contact Kelli Hawkins, Public Information Officer 509.324.1539 [email protected] Take precautions when returning after evacuationSPOKANE, Wash. - As some evacuation areas from the Spokane Complex fires are updated and some residents are allowed to return, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) reminds residents that being cleared to re-enter an area does not mean every home is free of wildfire-related hazards.”
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  The guidance is for residents returning to homes in areas cleared from the Spokane Complex fires“As some evacuation areas from the Spokane Complex fires are updated and some residents are allowed to return, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) reminds residents that being cleared to re-enter an area does not mean every home is free of wildfire-related hazards.”
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  The guidance emphasizes that cleared areas do not guarantee homes are free of wildfire-related hazards“As some evacuation areas from the Spokane Complex fires are updated and some residents are allowed to return, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) reminds residents that being cleared to re-enter an area does not mean every home is free of wildfire-related hazards.”
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  Residents are advised to verify their specific address has been cleared by officials before returning“Residents should return only when their specific address has been cleared by emergency officials.”
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  SRHD warns that homes may contain hidden contamination from smoke, ash, and fire-suppression chemicals“Even a home that appears to have escaped the fire may have been exposed to smoke, ash and fire-suppression chemicals.”
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  SRHD recommends testing or remediation for contamination in homes“Potential contamination of interior surfaces with harmful substances requiring testing or remediation is likely.”
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  The health district lists mask distribution locations including Indian Trail Shopping Center“Mask distribution locations: Indian Trail Sopping Center (3321 W. Indian Trail) River Ridge Shopping Center (4605 N. Assembly)Nom Nom Park & Grab (7202 N. Nine Mile Rd.)The Rosauers at 5 Mile Road (1724 W. Francis)Mead High School (302 W. Hastings Rd)Lakeside High School in Nine Mile Falls (5909 WA-291)Union Stadium in Mead (12520 N. Freya St.)”
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  The health district lists mask distribution locations including Mead High School“Mead High School (302 W. Hastings Rd)”
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  SRHD recommends wet cleaning methods for cleanup“When cleaning surfaces, use wet cleaning methods rather than dry sweeping.”
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  SRHD recommends NIOSH-approved respirators for cleanup“Cleaning up may create dust or ash; a properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator provides better protection than a cloth, surgical or paper mask.”
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  The guidance includes steps for checking water safety“Flush your water before drinking, following steps provided by the City of Spokane; check for water boil advisories with the Washington State Department of Health.”
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  Residents should follow City of Spokane and Washington State Department of Health protocols for water safety“Flush your water before drinking, following steps provided by the City of Spokane; check for water boil advisories with the Washington State Department of Health.”
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  The guidance includes steps for discarding contaminated food“When in doubt, throw it out. Discard food that was exposed to smoke, heat or firefighting chemicals, particularly food in permeable packaging.”
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  The guidance includes steps for avoiding disturbance of damaged materialsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.