08/12/2026
**Before Wildfire Cleanup Begins: 6 Things Spokane Property Owners Should Know**
Our hearts go out to every family affected by the Spokane Complex Fire. Some people have lost homes, belongings, animals, businesses, and places filled with a lifetime of memories.
As cleanup begins, property owners may quickly find themselves overwhelmed by insurance questions, debris regulations, estimates, and contractors offering immediate help. Unfortunately, disasters can also attract people looking to take advantage of families during one of the hardest times of their lives.
Wildfire cleanup is not ordinary demolition. Before allowing anyone to begin removing debris, here are six important things to consider:
**1. Do not enter or disturb the property until authorities say it is safe.**
Burned structures can contain unstable walls, damaged utilities, sharp debris, hazardous ash, underground hazards, and trees that may fall without warning. What appears safe from the outside may not be safe once equipment or people enter the property.
**2. Document everything before cleanup begins.**
Take detailed photographs and videos of the property, structures, vehicles, equipment, personal belongings, fencing, landscaping, and utilities before anything is moved. Contact your insurance company and understand what documentation or approval it requires before authorizing work. Save every estimate, contract, invoice, and receipt.
**3. Have structural fire debris tested for asbestos.**
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency advises that ash and debris from burned structures must first be surveyed by an AHERA-certified building inspector. Even newer buildings can contain asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is found, it must be handled by a properly certified abatement contractor.
Do not allow someone to begin scooping, crushing, hauling, or burying structural debris without confirming that these requirements have been addressed.
**4. Verify every contractor.**
Before hiring anyone, confirm that the company is properly registered, bonded, and insured. Ask for its contractor-registration number, proof of insurance, references, and experience with fire-damaged properties.
Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to sign immediately, requests a large cash payment, refuses to provide written details, or says permits and debris regulations do not matter.
**5. Obtain multiple detailed estimates.**
Washington Labor & Industries recommends obtaining three bids for wildfire repairs. Each estimate should clearly explain what is included, how debris will be handled and disposed of, who is responsible for permits and testing, the payment schedule, and how unexpected conditions or additional work will be addressed.
The lowest estimate is not always the safest or least expensive once the entire project is considered.
**6. Make sure there is a complete cleanup plan.**
A responsible plan may need to address hazardous-material testing, utility disconnection, debris separation, dust control, approved disposal, damaged foundations, hazardous trees, erosion, contaminated soil, access for equipment, and final grading.
Removing visible debris is only one part of properly preparing a property for recovery and rebuilding.
Please take your time, ask questions, and do not allow anyone to rush you into a decision. Families affected by this fire deserve compassion, honest information, and contractors who will protect their property—not take advantage of their circumstances.
Holmes Earth Construction is sharing this because we believe property owners should know what to expect before cleanup begins. Even if we are not the contractor you choose, we are happy to answer questions or help point you toward the appropriate local resources.
**Helpful resources:**
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency: 509-477-4727
Washington contractor verification: ProtectMyHome.net
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Insurance.wa.gov
Please share this information with anyone who may need it.
