DAVENPORT, Wash. – The Western Pines Fire, which ignited last week, has scorched nearly 6,000 acres, 13 miles north of Davenport. The blaze remains 40% contained, and while some residents are starting to return home, 21 homes have been destroyed.
Level three evacuations are still in effect, but Level one and two evacuations have been lifted. Fire crews and emergency personnel continue their efforts in the area.
I spoke with those at the Red Cross emergency shelter about their experiences over the past few days. Dan Eaton, one of the residents who lost his home, shared his experience of narrowly escaping the fire.
“The hardest part for me is thinking that I was here for an hour and I didn’t grab anything,” Eaton said.
Community members in Davenport are coming together to support those who have lost everything.
Esha Gollapalli and Mel O’Neal have been working at the Western Pines Fire relief camp for the past week.
“In terms of our jobs there’s less to do but that’s a good thing because the evacuations are clearing up the fire staff is super helpful,” they said.
For those who lost their homes, the focus now is on rebuilding.
“That’s our plan is to rebuild. Cause this is our legacy. This is my family’s legacy,” one resident stated.
Gollapalli finds inspiration in how the Davenport community has united during this crisis. Eaton echoed this sentiment.
“I’m very humbled by all the support and love being shown by people, it’s just amazing. How do you pay that forward? You don’t. You can’t,” he said.
