Wildfire season is a new, unfortunate normal across much of the western United States. With global warming escalating summers already hot and dry, the Pacific Northwest is experiencing a swarm of wildfires across central and eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle.
One of nine large wildfires active at the end of July, the Gwen Fire, initiated by a thunderstorm near Juliaetta, Idaho, on July 24, forced the evacuation of 600 residents. The fire would burn nearly 29,000 acres and destroy 150 structures, including 25 homes. As of August 3, the fire was 90 percent contained, and recovery work was underway as people returned to their homes.
The Gwen Fire is just one of several “Level 3 – Go Now” evacuations already put in place this summer as wildfires destroy property, threaten lives, and cover the region with toxic clouds of smoke. Other significant fires include the Pioneer Fire (Upper Lake Chelan, Stehekin area), the Cougar Creek Fire (Lewiston/Clarkston/Asotin areas) and the Slide Ranch Fire (White Swan/Yakima Reservation). United Methodists are actively supporting or closely monitoring each fire to see how we might aid those directly impacted.
With the assistance of Pacific Northwest Conference Disaster Response Coordinators Dana and Kathy Bryson, Greater Northwest Area Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth appealed to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) for a $10,000 UMCOR Solidarity Grant to support conference and local church efforts to help evacuees as they leave and as they return to their homes.
UMCOR was quick to respond with funding to come alongside local efforts.
The Rev. Cody Stauffer, pastor of Lewiston First and Clarkston United Methodist Churches, has stepped in as regional lead to coordinate efforts funded through the grant from UMCOR. In this work, he has already been engaging with several churches in Washington and Idaho to gather and transport supplies for those recovering.
This week, Rev. Stauffer traveled to Juliaetta to help staff a Multi-Agency Response Center (MARC) coordinated by the Idaho Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. The center provides relief supplies and emotional care to evacuees returning now that the Gwen Fire is largely contained.
“We have been able to respond quickly here thanks to the efforts of so many,” wrote Rev. Stauffer. “The day the fires started, and folks had to evacuate, members of United Methodist congregations immediately went into action, purchasing crucial resources to stock the evacuation center with food, water, hygiene products, and bedding. They even provided activities for the kids.”
According to Rev. Stauffer, even the MARC came together quickly. “I had a single day to find volunteers to help me staff our tables, and eight people dropped their plans to join me while several immediately made kits for us to hand out. It’s been a blessing to be a part of this.”
The work of the United Methodist Connection shines when we come together to assist people in times of deep need. As our church’s humanitarian relief and development arm, UMCOR transforms and strengthens people and communities. You can learn more about this unique ministry on their website. Learn more about the PNW Conference’s Disaster Response efforts on our website. You can also make online donations to support ongoing and future efforts.
Special thanks to Rev. Cody Stauffer and Kathy Bryson for their contributions to this report.
