LINCOLN COUNTY, Wash. – The Western Pines Fire continues to rage in Lincoln County with Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations still in place. The fire, now nearing 6,000 acres, has affected many residents in the area.
I spent time in Davenport on Friday, speaking with those displaced by the fire. Daniel Zickler, one of the evacuees, shared his experience after evacuating with his family’s chickens and turkeys to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. He noted that while his home was spared, many of his friends’ homes were not as fortunate.
“There is no better community than Davenport,” Zickler said. “My phone is ringing nonstop — people asking, ‘Do you need anything? Can I help?’ And it’s people I’ve known for years and people I’ve known for 5 minutes. Doesn’t matter who you are — people here want to help.”
Zickler mentioned this was his first time experiencing a wildfire up close. Despite the devastation, he expressed gratitude for the shelter, volunteers and neighbors who have provided support.
The Red Cross reported that about a dozen people are currently staying at the fairgrounds, where they plan to keep the shelter open for as long as needed.
