U.S. EPA Northwest Region

09/04/2026

EPA has made quick progress to safely remove household hazardous materials from burned properties. Removing these hazardous materials supports safer recovery and rebuilding for the community in the aftermath of the fires.

We have been able to make this progress thanks to our collaboration with our partner agencies in Spokane and at the State of Washington, and we anticipate completing our work safely and efficiently within 60 days.

EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon spoke with 4 News Now about EPA’s work in response to the devastating Eastern Washington wildfires.

For the latest updates, visit our website at: epa.gov/wa/2026-eastern-washington-wildfires-recovery

09/03/2026

Since mid-August, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency teams have worked closely with local and state partners to remove household hazardous materials from properties impacted by the Spokane Complex Fire. EPA teams have now completed removals at over 55% of impacted properties. This progress means more families can begin the next chapter of their recovery, and we remain committed to finishing this work safely and as quickly as possible.

Over the course of the response:

🔋 67,700 lbs of hazardous materials removed
🏠 449 homes were cleared of hazardous materials
👥 over 250 residents interacted with EPA staff

09/03/2026

A real-time air monitor sits on a fenceline along Central Avenue in Northport, Washington, where soil contaminated with lead and arsenic is being removed from a residential yard. The monitor will alarm if the dust level is exceeded, telling workers to water the area to protect residents from dust that may contain lead, arsenic, and other metals. Yard cleanups began in June at residential properties at the Upper Columbia River Superfund site. Residents are welcomed to speak with any EPA staff they see at the site during these removals if they have questions.

EPA's Superfund Solution initiative is a commitment to ensure earlier long-term health protection and community reuse benefits at Superfund sites by streamlining decision-making and increasing cooperation with states, Tribes, communities, and other partners across the country. Link to https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-solutions-initiative.

Learn more about the site and soil cleanup process at the EPA Upper Colombia River website: https://www.epa.gov/columbiariver/upper-columbia-river-superfund-site.

09/01/2026

September is Disaster Preparedness Month. Are you and your family prepared? For more information visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 's website.

🔗 https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters

08/28/2026

EPA personnel have been on the ground in Spokane County to aid in recovery efforts after the devastating wildfires. Throughout this time, EPA has worked closely with local, state and federal partners to address household hazardous materials, safeguard the people and the environment, and support the community's recovery.

Read more about EPA’s effort during the Washington Wildfires here: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/aug/26/an-unprecedented-pace-epa-official-says-one-third-/

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Community Involvement Coordinators have been all over Spokane, Washington answering residents’ questions and providing information about the EPA's household hazardous material removal work. If you missed us out in the community, remember to visit our hub site for the latest information: epa.gov/washington-wildfires.

We want to hear from you! If you have questions, please contact us at:

📲Phone: 1-888-509-0667

✉️Email: [email protected]

08/26/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alongside the Washington State Department of Ecology, will participate in a Facebook Live event hosted by the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) tomorrow at 10:00 AM PT. Spokane County Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velásquez will facilitate a conversation with EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon and the Department of Ecology Eastern Region Director Brooke Beeler on their roles in emergency response efforts after the devastating Eastern Washington Wildfires.

WHAT: SRHD Facebook Live
WHEN: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 10:00 AM PT
WHERE: SRHD page - https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneRegionalHealthDistrict
WHO:
• EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon
• EPA Region 10 On-Scene Coordinator Brooks Stanfield
• WA State Department of Ecology Eastern Region Director Brooke Beeler
• Spokane County Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velásquez

08/25/2026

EPA continues on-the-ground outreach in Spokane, Washington, with updated times and locations for community office hours supporting residents affected by Eastern Washington Wildfires.

To see where our Community Involvement Coordinators will be next, please visit the link in our bio!

08/24/2026

EPA continues on-the-ground outreach in Spokane, Washington, with updated times and locations for community office hours supporting residents affected by Eastern Washington Wildfires.

To see where our Community Involvement Coordinators will be next, please visit: https://epa.gov/washington-wildfires