Spokane Complex Fires: Health Guidance for Residents Returning to Homes Without Obvious Fire Damage
Aug 02, 2026
Media Contact
Kelli Hawkins, Public Information Officer
- 509.324.1539
- [email protected]
Take precautions when returning after evacuation
SPOKANE, 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
Before you go inside
- Check official evacuation and re-entry information first. Do not enter an area that remains under an evacuation order or has not been cleared by fire officials.
- Look around the outside of your home for burned vegetation, ash, soot, damaged roofs, windows, doors, siding, electrical equipment or heating and cooling equipment.
- 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.
- If you smell gas, leave the area and contact your gas utility or 911 as appropriate.
- Clean areas around entryway, sidewalks and windows to limit recontamination after cleaning inside.
Inside the home
Even a home that appears to have escaped the fire may have been exposed to smoke, ash and fire-suppression chemicals
- 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. 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.)
- Open windows and doors to air out the home when outdoor smoke and air quality conditions allow.
- Install a new air filter in your HVAC system with a MERV 11 rating or higher; operate the unit using constant fan mode.
- If there is visible ash or soot, avoid stirring it up. When cleaning surfaces, use wet cleaning methods rather than dry sweeping.
- Do not use a regular shop vacuum to clean ash. A non-HEPA vacuum can put fine particles back into the air.
- Wear gloves when cleaning ash and wash your hands afterward.
- Keep children and pets away from ash and contaminated materials.
- Wash ash from pets, toys and items that children may handle.
- 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.
Check your food and water
Wildfire smoke, heat and firefighting chemicals can contaminate food even when food packaging looks undamaged. Power outages could also have resulted in spoiled food
When in doubt, throw it out. Discard food that was exposed to smoke, heat or firefighting chemicals, particularly food in permeable packaging
If your home uses a private well, fire or loss of power may have affected the well or water system. Follow local guidance before assuming well water is safe to drink
Be alert for smoke and ash
Ash from burned structures can contain materials that are more hazardous than ordinary wildfire ash, including chemicals and materials from homes and buildings. Ash can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat and can worsen breathing problems
People who are sensitive to smoke or have breathing problems should take extra precautions and limit exposure to smoke and airborne ash
Do not disturb damaged materials
A home can look intact while some building materials may have been affected by the fire
Older homes may contain asbestos or lead-based paint. These materials can become a health hazard when damaged or disturbed. Do not sand, cut, break or otherwise disturb materials that may contain asbestos or lead
Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs and remain there throughout life. Fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation and lead to serious conditions including lung cancer and mesothelioma
Visit Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) for detailed information on asbestos cleanup, including this FAQ specific to the Spokane Complex fires
Remember: re-entry is not the same as cleanup
If your home is standing and has no obvious fire damage, you may be able to return and begin cleaning activities. However, stop and seek professional assistance if you discover structural damage, significant soot or ash, damaged utilities, hazardous chemicals, or other conditions you cannot safely address
- SRHD After a Wildfire
- American Red Cross Checking Your Home After A Fire
- U.S. EPA Dealing with Debris and Damaged Buildings
- FEMA Homeowner’s Guide to Residential Smoke Damage
- SRCAA Asbestos
- Cleanup and debris removal Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Resources
- Spokane Complex Fires Disaster Assistance Center: Shadle Park High School, open daily through Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
For local wildfire and re-entry information, visit Spokane County Evacuation Address Lookup.
About Spokane Regional Health District
Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 35 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook, Instagram, or follow us on X to receive safety and wellness tips
