Updated: July 27, 5 p.m.
Back to main Kmart Fire Asbestos Response page.
What happened?
Debris and ash from a large fire on July 19 in Portland’s Parkrose neighborhood blew into the surrounding neighborhood. One out of nine samples of debris collected by the City of Portland at Luuwit View Park contained asbestos, raising concern that more debris from the fire may contain asbestos.
More testing since then by the U.S. EPA and Oregon DEQ shows there is no asbestos in the debris from the fire. Check the most updated sample results on the interactive sampling locations and results map.
Where did this happen?
A vacant former Kmart building at 12350 NE Sandy Boulevard in Portland’s Parkrose neighborhood.
What did the government do?
After the city found asbestos, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality began working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, Multnomah County, and additional Portland agencies to investigate the spread of debris and ash in northeast Portland.
Subsequent debris and air sampling by the U.S. EPA and Oregon DEQ shows there is no asbestos in the debris from the fire. Check the most updated sample results on the interactive sampling locations and results map.
Guidance on how to safely clean up fire debris remains the same. The guidance outlines standard procedures that protect people from any type of ash and debris, which can be harmful to people’s health.
Anyone who is not comfortable or unable to clean up the Kmart fire debris on their own can report the debris to Prologis via an online form. Prologis is the building lessee and is providing assistance with cleaning up debris on private property. Any questions about this debris cleanup can be directed to Prologis at kmartfireneighborhoodcleanup@gmail.com or 503-276-7389.
What is asbestos and why were agencies so worried at first?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is present at low levels in some soils. Asbestos was used widely in building materials throughout the last century. It has been found to cause cancer and respiratory health issues in people with long-term (months or years) exposure. Most people are exposed to some asbestos over the course of their lives and very few have any health problems because of it.
However, agencies wanted to be sure that there was not widespread asbestos-containing debris in the area. When asbestos-containing debris crumbles or breaks, it can release fibers into the air and cause health concerns if breathed in over long periods of time.
What should I do if I see ash or debris on my property and how can I clean it up?
- If you see ash or debris, keep children and pets away until it has been cleaned.
- To clean up ash and debris found outdoors:
- Wear a mask if you have one. (An N95 is preferred but the best mask available to you will do.) Wearing a mask will provide additional protection from any dust released in the air while cleaning and bagging the ash or debris.
- Put on waterproof gloves (for example dish gloves, or disposable latex or nitrile gloves commonly used in healthcare).
- Thoroughly wet down or soak the material with water to keep dust down. (Use a spray bottle, hose, bucket, etc.).Place the ash or debris into a trash bag and tie the bag. Place that bag and your gloves and mask (if your mask is disposable) into a second trash bag and tie that bag.Place trash into your garbage can.
- Once you are finished cleaning, wash your hands, and wash any material off your body or clothing right away.
- To clean up ash and debris indoors:
- See above for how to safely handle debris.
- For visible ash:
- Use a spray bottle to mist the surface you plan to clean.
- Use a damp cloth to clean the surface.
- Use a wet mop on hard-surface floors.
- Avoid activities that could stir up ash or debris and make it airborne again, such as using a leaf blower, sweeping with a broom, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
Anyone who is not comfortable or unable to clean up the Kmart fire debris on their own can report the debris to Prologis via an online form. Prologis is the building lessee and is providing assistance with cleaning up debris on private property. Any questions about this debris cleanup can be directed to Prologis at kmartfireneighborhoodcleanup@gmail.com or 503-276-7389.
Español: Có mo eliminar la ceniza y los residuos con seguridad
IMPORTANTE: No barra o utilice una aspiradora o una lavadora a presión para limpiar los residuos. Hacerlo podría provocar que el asbesto se rompiera en partículas más pequeñas.Mira este video.Lleve guantes de un solo uso.Lleve la mejor mascarilla que tenga – se prefiere la N95.Remoje los residuos con cuidado.Recoja los residuos con guantes y una toalla de papel húmeda, y póngalos en una bolsa de basura.Ponga la bolsa en una segunda bolsa de basura, tire la mascarilla y los guantes, átela arriba y póngala en el bote de basura. Lávese las manos, los brazos, la cara y su ropa cuando haya terminado. O reporte los residuos para que Prologis los limpie en ordeq.org/KmartFire
How should I understand my risk?
It is unlikely that anyone in the area of a fire will have more than a short-term exposure to ash or debris from this fire. These kinds of short-term exposure are not likely to harm health.
What about the homeless people who live in the area?
Multnomah County and the City of Portland worked with homeless service providers and street outreach workers to provide information about the fire and debris.
Is it safe to go outside in the area?
Yes, but be on the lookout for ash or debris. If you see it, don’t disturb it except to clean it up following the recommendations under What should I do if I see ash or debris on my property and how can I clean up the ash or debris myself?
Is it safe to mow my grass and work in my garden?
- Yes. But first:
- Wet down the area to be mowed at least once;
- Clean up larger debris following the recommendations under What should I do if I see ash or debris on my property and how can I clean it up?
- Well-rinsed fruits and vegetables from a garden are safe to eat.
What can I do to protect myself and my family?
Dispose of any visible ash or debris on your property following the recommendations under What should I do if I see ash or debris on my property and how can I clean it up?
Anyone who is not comfortable or unable to clean up the Kmart fire debris on their own can report the debris to Prologis via an online form. Prologis is the building lessee and is providing assistance with cleaning up debris on private property. Any questions about this debris cleanup can be directed to Prologis at kmartfireneighborhoodcleanup@gmail.com or 503-276-7389.
Until ash and debris are cleaned up:
- Take your shoes off whenever you go into your home to avoid tracking debris inside.
- Wash your pet’s feet when they come inside.
- Wash children’s hands often with soap and warm water.
I see people in haz-mat suits in my local park, is it safe to be outside?
Yes, it is safe to be outside. Early in the response, agencies believed there may be asbestos in some of the debris from the fire. Large amounts of newer testing data show that the debris does not contain asbestos. If you have fire debris in your yard or property, you can safely clean it up yourself following the recommendations under the section What should I do if I see ash or debris on my property and how can I clean it up?
Are there any water quality impacts from the fire?
Water from firefighters’ efforts flowed into a green street planter, or bioswale, and any contaminants in that water were contained in that planter and did not spread further. There has been no detectable impact beyond that planter and no impact to the Columbia Slough.
Should people wear masks outside in these areas?
No, that’s not necessary. More and more results from testing of the debris is showing that it does not contain asbestos. Earlier in the response, one sample collected by the City of Portland had some asbestos in it, so workers had to assume there wasasbestos in everything until we knew more. Now we know more, and the results have shown no more asbestos since that one sample collected by the city.
Do I need to run an air filter indoors?
No. More and more results from testing of the debris is showing that it does not contain asbestos. However, in preparation for wildfire season, it’s a good idea to replace the HEPA filter in your HVAC system or get a portable air purifier.
Do I need to worry about transfer of asbestos fibers on clothes/hair in addition to shoes?
No. More and more results from testing of the debris is showing that it does not contain asbestos. No special precautions are necessary beyond removing your shoes until fire debris has been cleaned up from the areas where you walk.
What resources are available for cleanup?
Prologis is the building lessee and is providing assistance with cleaning up debris on private property. You can report the presence of debris or ash from the Kmart fire to Prologis via an online form. You can also contact Prologis at kmartfireneighborhoodcleanup@gmail.com or 503-276-7389.
What is the increased risk of folks who have had COVID and are exposed to asbestos?
More and more results from testing of the debris is showing that it does not contain asbestos. Additional data since the response started shows that there was little if any exposure to asbestos in the community. However, we do know that people who have COVID or who are struggling with long-lasting after-effects of COVID can have more severe reactions to smoke from any kind of fire. Anyone experiencing health problems (whether related to the fire or not) should contact their healthcare provider and let them know about their exposure to smoke from this fire.
Will DEQ be doing private property testing for heavy metals, asbestos, etc.? If not, how can property owners do this?
DEQ will not be testing on private property. DEQ and EPA have collected representative samples of debris from public places (schools and parks).
If property owners would like to test for asbestos at their own expense, here is information on how to take an asbestos sample, and here’s a list of laboratories the can analyze samples for asbestos.
Does Prologis need a permit for hazard materials abatement at the former Kmart? If not, who is overseeing their cleanup?
Prologis hired contractors to conduct an asbestos survey and abatement at the former Kmart building about 10 months ago. DEQ regulates asbestos removal. Prologis hired a company that was qualified to take samples and prepare the asbestos survey as well as an asbestos abatement contractor licensed to conduct asbestos abatement by DEQ.
Prologis does not need a permit from DEQ for remaining demolition at the structure; the City of Portland issues demolition permits. Like every business in Oregon, Prologis is responsible for proper disposal of any wastes that are hazardous and any materials to be demolished that contain lead paint, fluorescent lights, and other similar materials.
What else is being tested for in the air besides asbestos?
DEQ maintains various air quality monitoring stations in Portland and Gresham that monitor ambient air for various air pollutants, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, ozone and carbon monoxide. Check DEQ’s Air Quality Index for current and past air quality.