Spokane County officials announced Thursday that a fire broke out at the Regional Solid Waste Valley Transfer Station early in the morning, forcing the facility to shut down temporarily. County representatives said they anticipate reopening the station later that same day once safety checks are completed.
What happened
The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) reported that employees at the transfer station heard multiple explosions before spotting flames inside a compactor. No injuries were reported, and fire crews were able to contain the blaze quickly.
Impact on residents
While the station is closed, the county has redirected solid‑waste disposal to two alternate locations: the City of Spokane’s Waste‑to‑Energy Facility on South Geiger Road and the North County Transfer Station in Colbert. Both sites remain open and can accept regular trash and recyclables.
Safety reminder
Spokane County reminded the public that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. In the meantime, officials urged residents to follow proper disposal procedures for hazardous and flammable materials. “Do not mix chemicals, batteries, fireworks, ammunition, or other hazardous items with normal solid waste,” the county statement read. “Ask transfer‑station staff how to dispose of these items, and remember that Household Hazardous Waste disposal stations are on site and open seven days a week.”
Why proper disposal matters
Improperly discarded hazardous items can create dangerous conditions in waste‑handling equipment, as demonstrated by Thursday’s incident. By using the designated hazardous‑waste stations, residents help protect workers, prevent future fires, and keep the waste‑management system running smoothly for families across the county.
Next steps
The county’s fire investigators are working with the SVFD to determine the fire’s origin. Once the investigation is complete and the facility is cleared, the transfer station will resume normal operations. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through Spokane County’s official channels for any updates on the reopening schedule.
Community response
Local businesses and neighborhood groups expressed appreciation for the swift response by fire crews and the county’s clear communication. “We rely on the transfer station to keep our streets clean,” said a spokesperson for the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Knowing the county has alternative sites ready and reminding us about safe disposal practices shows a commitment to public safety and responsible stewardship of our environment.”
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
