⚠️ Treat ash and debris as a health hazard, not a cleanup chore

Wildfire ash is not the same as wood-stove ash. It can contain residues from burnt plastics, treated wood, metals, paints and household chemicals —...

Wildfire ash is not the same as wood-stove ash. It can contain residues from burnt plastics, treated wood, metals, paints and household chemicals — anything that was inside the structures that burned. PreparedBC and Health Canada — and the US CDC — all warn against tracking ash through living spaces, sweeping it dry, or letting children and pets play in burned-over areas. When you return to a damaged property, wear an N95-style mask, gloves, long sleeves, long pants and sturdy boots. Wet ash lightly before cleaning to keep dust down, and double-bag debris in heavy plastic bags. Do not power-wash ash into storm drains. Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup is complete. Standing trees that have been weakened by fire can fall without warning for weeks afterward, so look up before you walk under them. If your property included old paint, asbestos siding, or oil tanks, treat the cleanup as a hazardous-material job and consult your municipality before disposing of debris yourself.

Source: PreparedBC — Wildfires

Last reviewed 2026-05-02.

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