Wildfire Update:
Pastors provide spiritual support for evacuees, responders
By Jim Truitt
The fires in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan Counties continue to grow. With the Okanogan Complex fire now deemed the largest in Washington State history, they have now burned more acreage than last year’s Carlton Complex Fire. The towns of Conconully, Twisp, and Methow are under a Level 3 evacuation.
Evacuees from the Chelan Complex fire to the south and the multiple fires to the north are converging on Pateros and Brewster. There are about 150 campers, RVs and motor homes in the city park in Pateros and the Red Cross has a shelter open in Brewster. The United Methodist Church has deployed six pastors and lay people to the area to provide spiritual and emotional support for the evacuees and responders.
The Pateros Community UMC has opened its doors around the clock for meals, sleeping accommodations, safe and clean air, and a safe place to rest. They will provide 3 meals a day and they are allowing pets because they are not allowed in the Red Cross shelter.
Unless you have a real reason to go into the area, please stay away. The air quality is unhealthy and there are an unusually large number of people trying to find a safe place to stay.
Also, please do not attempt to donate “stuff”. They do not need it and they do not have a means to handle it. You are encouraged to make a financial donation as a large sum of money is going to be needed for recovery.
You can make a donation to PNW Conference Treasurer with Advance #352 on the memo line. You can mail your check to PNW Treasurer, PO Box 13650, Des Moines, WA 98198. You can also make a donation online.
If you have questions, give me call at 253-797-1680 or send me an email at umvimdisasterresponse@comcast.net.
