Family selling T-shirts at scene of Taylor Bridge wildfire

Some might consider it profiting on the misery and suffering of others, but a family from Omak sees it as a way to make a few bucks to make ends meet.

They make T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts that commemorate major fires that tear through communities across the West. They have set up shop just outside the base camp of the Taylor Bridge fire in Cle Elum. The shirts come in all colors, but the family says the tie-dyed shirts have been the favorites so far.

The family follows major fires, not unlike the Deadheads of days past who followed the Grateful Dead from show to show. They go from state to state and fire to fire making fire-specific shirts.

The one I bought has the great graphics on the back. The front reads “Taylor Bridge Wildfire Washington 2012.” The fire fighters love them. It’s their way of showing off they were involved in specific fires.

The family has traveled as far away as New Mexico and Colorado to sell their shirts. They know some people think it’s a poor way to make a buck, but the family makes no apologies. It’s a business to them and it’s been working for years.

Before you think less of me for buying a shirt, just realize I didn’t have time to pack anything on the way over and three days in the same shirt was a little much.

I just wish the family sold underwear and socks.