“This is the best way to get victims of any disaster the resources they need in an efficient and effective way.  It’s a one-stop service so they don’t have to reach out to each of these entities individually. We invite them all and facilitate the location and the victims can get access to all of them just by walking around the room,” says King.

This is the first time in recent memory that the county has had to deal with so many destroyed buildings and homes and it was a new experience for so many.  “This next level of Red Cross services, we’ve never had to tap into, so I’m very happy that your team has stepped up and provided that in conjunction with my staff. Most of the time, The Red Cross comes in and sets up temporary shelter and then, when it’s over, everybody goes home.  But I know, the Red Cross provides so many more things,” says King.

Wildfires affect people differently.  In some cases, they consume entire homes.  For others, they leave behind a mess to clean up or smoke damage to mitigate. 

People like Jamie Minick came to get cleanup supplies from the Red Cross and to try and find some sense of normalcy. They were shaken, but also grateful. 

“I feel fortunate, my home did not get destroyed.”

He was met by Red Cross volunteers who live in the area and know first-hand just how devastating these fires can be, and also by others who came from as far away as Maine, New Jersey, California and Ohio to help.   

The Red Cross was one of many agencies sharing resources at the event.  That included Klickitat County Emergency Management, Public Health, Building and Planning Dept. Salvation Army, WA Dept. of Licensing, WA Social and Human Services, the Lyle School District, and private companies who assisted with debris removal, well testing, and vehicle removal.

Beckie Miller and her dog “Riggs” from a group called “Hope Crisis Dogs” came down from Yakima, Washington to provide emotional help.

“Our dogs are trained to go to any form of a crisis like fires, school shootings, or any event that is high anxiety.  Anything that makes people feel calm,” she said as her dog calmly rested at her feet.

Dogs like these have served fire responders, police officers, and people directly affected by disaster.  It’s what they’re trained to do.

As for the Burdoin Fire, King says this will be a long recovery and they are working with agencies to make sure they continue to provide the needed assistance and like the Red Cross, that means utilizing the generosity of volunteers.

“The hearts of our volunteers in this county and across the nation will surprise many people. Our county at the very least could not operate without the volunteers.”