SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES
How to help the Washington wildfire victims
Jul 18, 2014, 4:37 PM | Updated: 5:21 pm
Flames burn trees in the Chiwaukum Creek Fire as seen from the air near Leavenworth, Wash., Thursday, July 17, 2014. The blaze closed a section of U.S. Highway 2, and resulted in the evacuation of nearly 900 homes. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
A fire racing through rural north-central Washington destroyed about 100 homes, leaving behind smoldering rubble, solitary brick chimneys and burned-out automobiles as it blackened hundreds of square miles in the scenic Methow Valley.
Friday’s dawn revealed dramatic devastation, with the Okanagan County town of Pateros, home to 650 people, hit especially hard. Most residents evacuated in advance of the flames, and some returned Friday to see what, if anything, was left of their houses.
About 100 miles to the south, the Mills Canyon complex of fires chased people from nearly 900 homes as it sent a dusting of ash over the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth. Some of those evacuation orders were eased Friday, but there was no indication on when U.S. Highway 2 would reopen in the area, said fire spokeswoman Mary Bean.
All of the Les Schwab Tire Centers locations in Western Washington, along with shops in Wenatchee, East Wenatchee and all locations up to Oroville are acting as drop-off points for item donations. All items are welcome. The locations will collect items and then drop them off where they are needed, including Chelan, Pateros and Brewster.
The Wenatchee World has compiled a list of other ways you can help our neighbors in need, some of whom have lost everything:
Chelan PUD offices are now accepting donations of money or gift cards to the Red Cross at their Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Chelan locations. They will also collect donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Chelan Riverwalk Park. For more information, call 663-8121 or (888) 663-8121.
• Wenatchee: 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.,
• Chelan: 1034 E. Woodin Ave.
• Leavenworth: 222 Chumstick Hwy.
North Cascades Bank has set up a fire relief fund at all of it’s branches. Anyone can donate. For more information, call your local branch — Wenatchee, 888-6000.
A fire relief fund has been set up by the Community Foundation of NCW. The fund, announced by Beth Stipe this morning, will partner with the Red Cross to provide short- and long-term aid to fire victims. To donate, visit cfncw.org or send checks to 9 S. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801. For more information, call 663-7716.
Dicks Towing in Wenatchee will be accepting donations and delivering them to Chelan. There is no limit to donations. Necessary items include food, clothing, personal hygiene items, toys, giftcards and baby necessities. Dick’s will also be delivering supplies to firefighters, including snacks, water and personal hygiene items. Items should be dropped off at 110 Thurston St. near the Link Transit Station. Drop-off hours are Mon.-Fri., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To drop off at different hours or for more information call 663-1623.
Lakeland Veterinary Clinic in Manson is not accepting animals for boarding, but is taking dog and cat food donations for the Chelan shelter. You can reach them at 687-1021.
Reporting by the Associated Press is included in this report
