Marlene Feist, 509.625.6505
Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 3:17 p.m.
Updated September 22, 2020
City of Spokane crews are proceeding with cleanup efforts following yesterday’s early season snowstorm that left a mess of tree debris around the City. Meanwhile, additional sheltering services for those experiencing homelessness remain available until Saturday, when temperatures are expected to rise.
“I want to thank our community for their patience and their support of their neighbors and neighborhoods,” says Mayor David Condon. “As I’ve traveled around the City since yesterday, I witnessed what Spokane is known for—pitching in to assist their neighbors and getting their neighborhoods cleaned up.”
Crews from Streets, Water, Wastewater and Urban Forestry have addressed about a third of the 150 locations of trees or limbs in the street that were reported. A map detailing the reported locations is attached. Crews opened up blocked streets yesterday, in some cases moving debris to the side of the street. Now, they are going back and removing the tree debris that fell into the streets, working in arterials then residential streets. Street tree cleanup efforts will continue into next week.
Parks Operations crews are addressing tree damage and debris in City parks. Until that work is complete, tree limbs that remain snagged in the treetops remain a potential hazard for park users. The City asks citizens to remain vigilant when visiting parks in the coming weeks.
While the City is working to clear debris from the public streets and right of way, citizens are proceeding with cleanup work in their yards and taking advantage of free disposal of that material. Yesterday, 223 citizens brought in over 63 tons of tree debris, and lines are long to dispose of materials at the facility today.
Snow and unseasonably cold weather also has impacted those experiencing homelessness.
The House of Charity is providing 60 additional spaces for those needing shelter overnight until Saturday, when weather is expected to include more seasonable temperatures. About half of the additional spaces at House of Charity were filled last night.
The community can refer to the Resource Pocket Guide for additional information on available facilities and services for those experiencing homelessness.
Some Parks & Recreation activities and facilities remain impacted by the storm.
The free disposal of trees and tree limbs is available at the Waste to Energy Facility, 2900 S. Geiger Blvd., through Saturday, Oct. 19. Free disposal is available for City residents only, not commercial landscaping and yard care businesses.
Tree debris also can be placed in green yard waste carts for pickup on customers’ normal collection days. Branches must be smaller than 3 inches in diameter and fit within the cart. Residents who need to clear tree debris from private property are encouraged to refer to the list of licensed arborists at spokanecity.org.
City crews working in parks and the right of way ask citizens to provide them with space to do their work safely. Please call 3-1-1 to report trees in roadways or other damage to public spaces.
