Returning Home After a Wildfire
Flush Your Water System
These steps can help improve water freshness after a period of non-use. Stagnant water may appear cloudy and have an unusual odor while
flushing. To report concerns, call 3-1-1 Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 509.625.7800 outside of these hours.
How to Flush Your Plumbing After Returning Home
- Remove faucet aerators from sinks throughout your home. This is a good opportunity to soak them in warm vinegar to help remove mineral buildup and any debris before reinstalling them.
- Turn on all cold-water faucets, one at a time, leaving each running as you move through your home. Turn on the bathtub faucet(s) last. If you only have a shower, turn it on last.
- Allow the water to run just long enough to walk through your home turning on each faucet, then make another pass to turn them all off. This replaces the stagnant water in your plumbing with fresh water from the public water system.
- If applicable, also flush:
- Outdoor hose bibs/spigots
- Refrigerator water dispenser or ice maker supply
- Washing machine supply lines
- Other infrequently used water fixtures
- Reinstall the cleaned aerators once flushing is complete.
Flushing Your Water System Flyer (PDF 135 KB)
Safety Measures from the Spokane Fire Department
Before returning home and starting clean-up, please read this section to ensure you have adequate safety measures in place.
1. What to Wear
- Boots, long pants and long-sleeved shirt.
- N95 mask to protect your lungs from smoke and ash. Follow instructions that come with the mask to make sure it fits properly.
- If you suspect asbestos may be present in debris, additional precautions should be taken with clothes and respirator.
2. Before Arriving/On The Way
- Confirm fire officials have declared your property safe to enter.
- Drive cautiously! Look for weakened or fallen trees, loose debris, damaged poles, rocks, and blocked roads/driveways.
- Keep an emergency alert device or radio on for weather and evacuation updates.
- Review evacuation plan and be prepared to leave again, quickly if needed.
3. Outside Property/Perimeter Inspection
- Carefully inspect trees and poles; avoid areas with deep charring, leaning, or instability.
- Look for smoldering embers on roof, gutters, downspouts, decks, crawl spaces, overhangs, wood piles, and debris piles.
- Walk driveway and entry path. Push debris to the side for temporary access.
- Stay away from any exposed utility hazards (damaged poles, wires, gas equipment).
Report anything found immediately.
- Be alert to erosion or flood risk from burned slopes upstream.
4. Before Entering a Building
- Use a flashlight to inspect exterior first. Check roof, eaves, vents, basement/crawl space.
- Smell for gas around meters, tanks, and lines. If detected, leave immediately and call utility.
- Look for downed power lines. Avoid the area and contact utility.
- Ensure entry path and structure appear stable before going inside.
5. Utilities & Systems
- Ensure main electrical breaker is OFF before turning power back on. If meter is damaged, do not restore power.
- Turn off propane tank or heating-oil system until inspected; do not use if damaged.
- If using well water, have system inspected before drinking or cooking.
- Do not use tap water until authorities confirm it is safe.
- Have solar systems inspected by a licensed technician before use.
6. Entering & Interior Inspection
- Enter with caution; check for sagging ceilings, cracked walls, warped floors, leaks, or water damage.
- Check attic, crawl space, vents, and hidden areas for ash or embers.
- Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, security systems, and emergency lighting.
- Discard any food exposed to heat, smoke, soot, or spoiled by power outage.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate smoke and odor if safe to do so.
- Document damage with clear photos for insurance purposes.
7. Cleanup & Intermediate Steps
- Begin debris removal only after local authorization and proper procedures.
- Clear flammable materials and create defensible space around home.
- Clean gutters, downspouts, and drains of ash, soot, and debris.
- Monitor slopes, hillsides, and drainage areas for erosion or debris-flow risks.
- Re-inspect daily, especially after wind or rain, for smoldering or new hazards.
8. Ongoing Safety & Follow-Up
- Arrange professional inspections for structural, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- File insurance claims and retain receipts for repairs and cleanup.
- Update wildfire evacuation and emergency plans.
- Remain vigilant for flash-flooding, falling trees, and delayed damage risks.
- Follow local recovery guidance and stay connected to emergency alerts and community resources.
9. Working with Your Insurance Company
- You are required by the terms of your homeowner’s insurance policy to notify your insurance company within a reasonable period of time. Follow the guidance of your agent. They will request the fire incident number:
Old Trails Fire Incident #2026066294
(City of Spokane Fire Department & Fire District 10)
SFD Returning Home After a Wildfire Flyer (PDF 537 KB)
