MEDICAL LAKE – One difficulty of cleaning up after a wildfire is doing so safely.
According to the Spokane Regional Health District, there are a lot of reasons for people to take precautions when cleaning burned property.
Along with the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, the district advises taking precautions during the process.
Fires leave behind a multitude of materials including burned wood, melted plastics, ashes, remnants of vehicles and more. All of which can be hazardous to breathe in.
The agencies recommend wearing protective masks and proper equipment when cleaning or sorting through debris.
Property owners and contractors should be aware of regulations when moving and disposing of materials such as asbestos. Asbestos won’t be destroyed by fire, and handling it can lead to serious health problems according to the health district.
In an Aug. 25 press release Environmental Health Specialist with the health district, Mike LaScuola said “It’s very important that people recognize the dangers of handling hazardous materials, which are toxic to their health and to the environment.”
According to the same press statement, the debris left behind can contaminate soil, waterways and wells.
Property owners are responsible for how contractors dispose of materials according to the agencies.
The health district has lists of resources that can help with various stages of cleanup.
Spokane County Emergency Management can help residents contact agencies offering cleanup services.
They have opened the Disaster Assistance Center from noon to 6:00 p.m.
The center is at Spokane Falls Community College, 3305 W. Whistalks Way, Building No. 9, Spokane.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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