First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent Spokane fires. Recovering from a wildfire or structure fire can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We hope this guide can help provide important safety information, permit details, and local resources to help you begin the recovery process when you are ready.
Returning Home
Only return home after fire officials have declared it safe to do so.
Before entering your home:
- Look for structural damage, down power lines, gas leaks, and damage to the foundation of your home
- Do not remove official safety tape or enter buildings that are marked unsafe
- If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave immediately and call the fire department once safe
- Photograph all damage before any clean-up for insurance purposes
Don’t try to start any major clean-up yet. Spokane Regional Solid Waste Systems is currently asking (as of 08/05/26) that property owners temporarily refrain from the clean-up of ash, demolition, or structural fire related debris removal. You can learn more by visiting their website.
Protect Yourself During Clean-Up
It is important to take proper safety precautions when handling fire debris. Smoke and ash can cause irritation to your eyes, skin, and lungs.
Always wear:
- N95 mask or P100 respirator
- Safety goggles
- Heavy work gloves
- Long sleeves and pants
- Sturdy boots
Avoid:
- Shop Vacuums without HEPA filters
- Dry sweeping
- Leaf Blower
- Allowing pets or children into ash covered areas
Structure fire debris may contain asbestos, lead, toxic materials, burned plastics, and hazardous metals. It is important to follow proper precautions to maintain a safe environment.
Disposal & Fire Debris Removal
Before hiring a contractor, you should verify:
This may not be optional. Many insurance policies require debris removal to be performed by a licensed contractor in order for the claim to be covered, so check your policy or ask your adjuster before work begins.
General demolition and hauling experience isn’t quite the same as knowing how to safely handle ash, asbestos-containing materials, and other hazards unique to fire debris.
Check their online reviews. Are they local or coming in from out of state? Heavy equipment used carelessly can damage septic systems, utility lines, retaining walls, or foundations that may have survived the fire. Ask how they plan to protect what’s still intact.
Get a scope of work, itemized cost, timeline, and disposal method. Most insurers require this documentation to reimburse debris removal costs, so a written agreement protects your claim as much as it protects you from a bad contractor. Be wary of anyone asking for full payment up front, pressuring you to sign immediately, or going door-to-door.
The Spokane community has shown a great effort to care for their neighbors. But it’s worth saying plainly: disasters like this also attract people looking to take advantage of the situation. If a deal feels rushed, unusually cheap, or the company can’t produce documentation on request- do some additional research. Reporting suspected price gouging or unlicensed contracting also helps protect your neighbors.
Some Permits You May Need
Fire debris removal and clean up can unfortunately be a complex process. One of the biggest hold-ups is often the permitting process from respective agencies, although in times of emergency or disaster, they have been known to try to expedite things. It’s important to check with local jurisdictions for any ongoing updates or changes. We have listed several resources at the end of this article for you to reference.
- Debris Removal/Demolition Permit: This is required through Spokane County Building and Planning before structural debris can be cleared.
- Asbestos Survey and Notice of Intent (NOI): Homes built before the 1990s typically require an AHERA-certified inspector to survey the site before any demolition or debris removal, followed by an NOI filed with Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. This step can’t be skipped even for small structures.
- Erosion Control Permit: If debris removal or grading will disturb soil, especially on sloped lots or near waterways, erosion control measures may be required to prevent runoff and sediment issues.
- Temporary Power Permit: If you need power restored to the site during cleanup or rebuilding (for equipment, lighting, or trailers), a temporary power permit is typically required before the utility will reconnect service.
- Right of Way or Access Permits: If debris bins, equipment, or trucks will be staged on or block a public street or right-of-way during removal.
A licensed, experienced contractor should be able to tell you which of these apply to your property, as well as help coordinate and file all relevant paperwork with the appropriate jurisdiction. This coordination is often the most time-consuming part of the process, and it’s one of the biggest reasons to work with someone who’s done this before.
Insurance Tips
- Contact your insurance company to open a claim as soon as possible
- Photograph and document all damages before moving debris
- Only make temporary repairs until your property has been inspected
- Save every receipt during your displacement period
- Create an inventory of all damaged belongings and property
- Don’t forget to contact other insurance agencies related to property lost alongside your home (car insurance, specialty insurance for unique items, etc.)
Other Considerations
- Consider contacting your lender to see if there are any mortgage relief options available to you
- Open up a P.O. Box and forward your mail there
- Start researching licensed, bonded, and insured contractors
- Contact Spokane Clean Air for disposal guidance
- As you begin to buy things that you need, consider telling the store your situation. Many local businesses in the Spokane area have stepped up by offering free services, collecting donations, and doing something to give back to our community. You may be able to get a discount or special offer as their way of helping you.
Start When You’re Ready, Just Don’t Wait Too Long.
There’s no need to rush into a decision, but there is real benefit to starting the process early. Permitting, insurance documentation, and any county- or state-run assistance programs often come with their own timelines, so getting the ball rolling sooner can help keep your options open. If you are ready to begin looking for a contractor, you can view the services we offer by visiting our Demolition Page. Or if you are simply looking to speak with a licensed General Contractor about what next steps look like for your situation, you can give our office a call at 509-235-4511. All site visits and consultations are free, regardless if you choose to book our services or not.
Recovery takes time and your safety should always come first. Do not begin clean-up efforts until local officials have determined that it is safe to do so. Take the time to research your options, ask questions, and document any damage for insurance and recovery purposes. Whenever possible, work with licensed and certified professionals to ensure repairs are completed safely and correctly.
Spokane is a strong and resilient community. With the support of local businesses, neighbors, and dedicated professionals, recovery and rebuilding will come.
Resources
Spokane Clean Air
Fire debris guidance and asbestos information:
Phone: 509-477-4727
https://spokanecleanair.org/asbestos/asbestos-service-providers/
Spokane County Building Department
Demolition permits and debris removal permits:
Phone: 509-477-3675
Email: BPHELP@spokanecounty.org
Spokane Regional Health District
Post-fire cleanup guidance:
https://srhd.org/health-topics/environmental-health/wildfire-smoke/after-a-wildfire
Office of the Insurance Commissioner for Washington State
Resources and tips on insurance coverage:
American Red Cross
Returning home safely after a fire:
Numerica Credit Union
Numerica is offering eligible wildfire victims a 0% APR loan up to $5,000 with no payment due for 90 days to assist with recovery. You can learn more via the link below.
