It's left by smoker in Washington (3)

I believe the answer is:

ash

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it's left by smoker' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'in washington' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ASH' can be found hidden inside 'washington'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ash that I've seen before include "Residue of burnt matter" , "Timber tree" , "at village near Whitchurch in Shropshire" , "Oleaceous tree" , "Silvery-grey" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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