City Service Adjustments During Fire Response

Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, [email protected]

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 5:58 p.m.

The City of Spokane is adjusting services as the community responds to impacts of the Spokane Complex Fire. Public Works infrastructure systems are impacted in various ways and will impact City utility customers. Here is what you need to know and can expect.

Solid Waste Collections (garbage, recycling, food & yard waste)

• Residential curbside and commercial solid waste collections will not occur in Level 3 evacuation zones.
• Residential customers in the current Level 3 evacuation zones can put extra bags out on their normal collection days once their areas are downgraded and they can return. Additional bags of garbage will be accepted free of charge.
• Residents who subscribe to Food and Yard Waste collection service should remove spoiled food from packaging before placing it in their green cart.
• Customers who have collection carts damaged by the fire can have them replaced free of charge. They should report them to Spokane 311 by submitting a Start or Change Request at Spokane311.org. Indicate that your cart is missing or broken due to the fire.
• Residential curbside and commercial solid waste collections in Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation areas are on their normal schedule.

The Waste to Energy Facility is operating as usual.

Water Service

The City has turned off water service to some properties in heavily impacted areas for various reasons, including running water, during initial response. As a result, once Level 3 evacuation zones are downgraded and residents return to their homes, they may not have water service. To restore water service if it is shut off, please contact Spokane 311 by phone or online.

The City's water system has maintained fire response levels and pressure zones, while continuing to distribute water to households despite system damage and obstacles in heavily impacted areas from the wildfires. Crews are actively in the field assessing the system and properties to maintain system efficiency and testing water quality.

Utility Bills

City utility bills are going out normally; fire-impacted properties can contact Spokane 311 about applicability of charges. If you have other questions about your City utility bill, availability of services, charges resulting from leaks or meter damage, or other concerns please contact Spokane 311.

Possible Water in Basements

Some properties may have water in basements. If residents experience this when returning to homes, they may file a Claim for Damages with the City. Private water and fire damage service providers will not be allowed to access homes and properties that are still in Level 3 evacuation zones.

Streets & Trees
The Street Department has driven most of the impacted areas within the City of Spokane. While they have not received many reports of debris in the right of way, there have been reports of large trees that have been damaged by the fire and deed to be assessed and possibly removed. Please report compromised trees that could impact the right of way to Spokane 311 so the Urban Forestry team can be notified.

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