Washington: Fires Decimate Homes,
Force Residents to Leave Their Homes

Residents in the areas around Wenatchee, Washington, were thrown into emergency mode after fires swept through the area in mid-July. The Carlton Complex fire was the largest wildfire in recorded history in the state, covering more than 400 square miles and burning about 500 structures, including 325 homes.

A firestorm swept through the small communities of Pateros, Brewster and the upper Methow Valley on 17 and 18 July. The firestorm came up suddenly over a 30-mile area, burning so hot and moving so quickly that people had to flee for their lives.

Zach Schoenwald is president of the Brewster Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this area of Washington, which is part of the Wenatchee Washington Stake. It’s an assignment he’s had for only two months. A local Church member who has been instrumental in coordinating volunteer efforts, Welcome Sauer, said, “President Schoenwald is the right man for the job right now. He’s been amazing as he has stood out as a leader and looked after his flock. He’s been a valuable servant for the Lord in that regard.”

Members of the Church from the Wenatchee Valley joined with community groups and churches helping fire victims cope with having to leave their homes. Among those helping were the Free Methodist, United Methodist, Church of God, Seventh-day Adventist and Grace City Community churches, along with the Red Cross, Chelan/Douglas and Okanogan County emergency management departments, Team Rubicon, Disaster Chaplains and the Salvation Army.

“Oh, you’re from the Mormon Church!” remarked Elizabeth Shepard, a Brewster, Washington, aid station manager. “So many of you have come to help. We can’t tell you how grateful we are!”

Relief Society women from the Wenatchee Washington Stake provided hundreds of meals, and Latter-day Saint youth helped with babysitting and sorting the mountains of donations of clothing, food, water and other essentials.

Doug Clay, a counselor in the Wenatchee Stake presidency said, “As members, we give service. That’s who we are. At times our service is temporal; at times it’s spiritual. We need to adapt to the specific needs of those we serve. In this disaster some people are not ready to have people come help; some are so emotional they aren’t ready for anyone to come in. We’ll be there when they are.”