Pressure washing costs in Spokane

After the Spokane Complex fires in August 2026, local officials' advice for the ash outside was to leave it alone for a while. On August 9, the City of Spokane told residents returning to fire-affected areas not to disturb or sift through contaminated soil or ash until authorities gave more guidance. It also said not to use leaf blowers, mowers or brooms that throw dust into the air, and to have masks, long sleeves, gloves and eye protection on hand.

The Spokane Regional Health District's guidance that day, for homes with no obvious fire damage, was more detailed. If there's visible ash or soot, avoid stirring it up, and use wet cleaning methods instead of dry sweeping. Skip the regular shop vacuum, since a vacuum without a HEPA filter can put fine particles back in the air. A properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator protects better than a cloth, surgical or paper mask. Don't sand, cut or break materials that may hold asbestos or lead.

The city's stormwater code still applies once the hose comes out. Spokane Municipal Code 17D.060.190 makes it unlawful to send pollutants, directly or indirectly, into surface water, stormwater, ground water or the city's storm drains, and its list of pollutants includes detergents and degreasers in concentrations or amounts that violate the standards it cites.

The health district also set an order for the work. Clean the inside first, then the areas around your entryway, sidewalks and windows, so the house doesn't pick up ash all over again.