U.S. EPA Region 10 Updates Public on Agency Assistance Following the Devastating Eastern Washington Wildfires

U.S. EPA Region 10 Updates Public on Agency Assistance Following the Devastating Eastern Washington Wildfires

August 18, 2026

SPOKANE - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began household hazardous material removal operations in Spokane County today after mobilizing equipment and personnel to aid in recovery efforts after the devastating wildfires. At the request of the State of Washington, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assigned EPA this critical mission, which the agency will carry out expeditiously and at no cost to affected residents.

The Trump EPA's top priority is protecting human health and the environment in the face of emergencies, and we are committed to helping Washingtonians recover as quickly as possible. The Trump EPA has the tools and knowledge to help our local, state, tribal, and federal partners and affected communities. Washingtonians looking for guidance on their return home are encouraged to follow the direction of local authorities.

"The Trump EPA put boots on the ground as soon as it was safe to do so, and we are hard at work to help Washingtonians start the rebuilding process as quickly as possible," said EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon. "We will work with local and state authorities so that recovery efforts can continue alongside this work."

EPA has mobilized over 170 specialized personnel - comprised of both agency experts and contractors - who are now working closely with the state, Spokane County, Tribes, and other partners to safely remove potentially dangerous everyday products, such as paints, cleaning supplies, herbicides, pool chemicals, and other materials in areas damaged by the fire. These products require special handling, especially if their containers are damaged. EPA's mission does not include removal of fire ash and other debris.

"Safely collecting and disposing of chemicals and hazardous materials is a critical first step in helping these communities recover," said Washington Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller. "We're thankful for the support we are receiving from EPA and other federal partners to begin this work."

Removing hazardous materials is essential to protecting residents, responders, recovery crews and the environment. Properties must be cleared of hazardous materials before any other recovery or rebuilding work can progress, and this work will not interfere with emergency response efforts.

If crews find objects of value, EPA will contact local law enforcement to track and remove the objects for safekeeping. EPA field teams will also remove items thought to contain asbestos if they are easy to identify and recover. Residents will still have to obtain an asbestos survey and dispose of asbestos properly as explained on the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency's websiteExit EPA's website.

EPA will also remove lithium-ion batteries from vehicles, homes, and other products. Many homes have damaged or destroyed lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, and electric and hybrid vehicles. The batteries should be considered extremely dangerous, even if they look intact. Lithium-ion batteries can spontaneously re-ignite, explode, and emit toxic gases and particulates even after the fire is out. Residents can call our hotline at 1-888-509-0667 if they encounter a lithium-ion battery while re-entering their property and/or are unsure if a lithium-ion battery was damaged.

The public can find more information about EPA's hazardous material removal operations at EPA's 2026 Eastern Washington Wildfires website. This website will be continuously updated as EPA's work moves forward.