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Officials warn of toxic fumes and long-term health risks in burned areas
Summary
A Spokane-area emergency representative said firefighters working hot spots use self-contained breathing apparatus because toxic airborne materials make damaged areas unsafe; officials warned inhalation may cause long-term health effects even when fire is not visible.
An agency official representing Spokane-area public safety told the briefing that even where flames are not visible, toxic substances remain in the air and present long-term health risks for people who enter affected zones. "Those firefighters who are in those zones, cooling down those hot spots, they are wool wearing full self contained breathing apparatuses because of the hazardous materials that are airborne," the official said, describing protective equipment used during operations.
The official cautioned that inhalation of these substances may not be immediately fatal but can cause serious health consequences years later, saying the public should not assume safety simply because they cannot see fire. He urged residents to wait for official re-entry clearances and emphasized that reopening decisions are based on health and safety assessments rather than appearances.
