Spokane first-grade teacher loses home to wildfire: ‘Just a photo of a hole in the ground’

More than 10,000 acres have burned across Spokane, destroying approximately 700 structures, as firefighters and first responders deal with three uncontained fires throughout the region.

One of the structures lost was the home of a Spokane first-grade teacher, Kelsey Wilder, who joined “The Gee and Ursula Show” to share her experience.

“It’s not anything I wish upon anyone. I feel fortunately tied to my community that’s been supportive through this,” Wilder said. “It was actually my principal that, with some help from other teachers that I work with in the building, she sent me the photo as I was traveling back from Seattle to Spokane Sunday morning, and she asked if it was my house. It was just a photo of basically a hole in the ground and my melted car in the driveway.”

Wilder is one of more than 600 people who have lost their home to these fires. She shared that important family heirlooms, specifically ones from her grandparents who are no longer alive, were lost to the fire, alongside all of her belongings.

Twenty-six zones currently have Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders throughout Spokane County.

“There are several teachers in my school that have lost their homes in the neighborhood, all across Spokane,” Wilder said. “But my family, my friends, my high school teachers from long ago have reached out to me. It’s just been a really touching time, and I’m just so thankful for every message, even if I haven’t been able to respond to them yet.”

Currently, Wilder is facing a laundry list of tasks to complete now that her home was destroyed, including calling insurance, filing claims, shutting off utilities, finding a car, and finding a place to live.

“Everybody that’s been affected by these fires is in the same place too,” Wilder said. “We’re all just trying to piece our worlds back together. The smoke is still horrific. There’s ash just snowing down on the city still. Everybody here is impacted. If you know anybody in the area, just reaching out and wishing them well — it’s like the best.”

A man was arrested on an arson charge in connection with one of the fires, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels confirmed.

“I feel even though it’s a tragic situation, I’m finding purpose in it and taking opportunities for growth, and I’m glad to have had this to speak to you all and just hopefully impact some people in a positive way because there’s a lot of heavy right now,” Wilder added.

Red Cross taking donations, volunteers

Those wanting to support residents affected by the wildfires can donate on the Red Cross’ website, call (800) 733-2767, or text REDCROSS to 90999.

The Red Cross is also taking volunteers. For more information, go here.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.