The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) and other local agencies want you and your family members, as well as volunteers, workers, and others who may be handling fire debris, to be safe. Wildfire debris can contain many types of hazardous substances that can easily become airborne and inhaled, including asbestos fibers.
As a property owner, what do I need to do first? The first step is to have an asbestos survey performed by an AHERA-certified building inspector to test the ash/debris from the structure(s). If asbestos is identified in the survey, then it must be removed by a Washington State Certified Abatement Contractor.
This Fact Sheet is to assist you navigate the debris testing, notification, and disposal requirements. Review this carefully before beginning any work on your fire damaged property.
Why the concern over asbestos? When building materials are damaged, any asbestos fibers present in the ash and debris can become airborne and inhaled. Asbestos is in many types of building construction materials. Asbestos exposure can lead to a host of serious health issues, including mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen) and asbestosis (scarring of lung tissues).
Need further assistance? Please contact either of the following staff if you have any questions:
Deirdre Fitzgerald
Desk: 509-477-4727, extension #108
Mobile: 509-863-8227
Email: DFitzgerald@spokanecleanair.org
Clayton Krietzman
Desk: 509-477-4727, extension #124
Mobile: 509-863-2011
Email: CKrietzman@spokanecleanair.org
