Spokane Valley Fire Return Guidance Issued

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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 is for residents returning to homes without visible fire damage“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. Residents should return only when their specific address has been cleared by emergency officials. Once home, take time to look for hazards before settling back in. Not all damage is apparent; potential contamination of interior surfaces with harmful substances requiring testing or remediation is likely.”
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  The guidance warns that even homes appearing undamaged may contain wildfire-related hazards“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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  Wildfire-related hazards include ash, soot, 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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  Wildfire-related hazards may require testing or remediation“Potential contamination of interior surfaces with harmful substances requiring testing or remediation is likely.”
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  SRHD advises residents to check official clearance before returning“Residents should return only when their specific address has been cleared by emergency officials.”
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  SRHD advises residents to inspect homes for structural damage“Look around the outside of your home for burned vegetation, ash, soot, damaged roofs, windows, doors, siding, electrical equipment or heating and cooling equipment.”
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  SRHD advises residents to inspect homes for gas leaks“If you see obvious structural damage, damaged electrical wiring, or signs of a gas leak, do not enter or touch the damaged area. Contact the appropriate utility or emergency officials.”
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  SRHD advises residents to use NIOSH-approved respirators when cleaning“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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  Mask distribution locations include multiple Spokane Valley shopping centersNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Mask distribution locations include schools“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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  Residents should clean using wet methods to avoid stirring ash“When cleaning surfaces, use wet cleaning methods rather than dry sweeping.”
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  Residents should install MERV 11+ air filters“Install a new air filter in your HVAC system with a MERV 11 rating or higher; operate the unit using constant fan mode.”
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  Residents should discard 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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  Residents should flush water systems before use“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 emphasizes that cleared areas do not guarantee homes are free of 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.”