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Spokane Mayor Declares Emergency Because Of Windstorm

Doug Nadvornick/SPR

Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward on Thursday declared a civil emergency as a result of Wednesday’s windstorm. Officials say the designation helps the city qualify for money needed to move and clean up debris that has some effect on public safety. The emergency designation takes effect immediately and indefinitely.

The city says about 250 trees were reported downed or heavily damaged in the city’s parks and streets.

Some of those are in Comstock Park on the South Hill, which the city has closed to the public for now while they assess the damage. Parks officials say there may still be some dangers to pedestrians, so they’d like people to stay away. When the park will be reopened isn’t yet known.

The city says people who are cleaning up damage on their own property can take tree debris to the Waste to Energy plant for free…beginning today and for the next two weeks. Homeowners who have green pickup carts can fill them and put them out for collection next week.