WHITE SWAN, Wash.- On June 22, the Slide Ranch Fire started burning and destroying 20 homes and 31,000 acres in the process.
Families are still trying to recover from losing their homes and are relying on their community to lift them up. Some have been staying at the Legends Casino Hotel with vouchers and some choosing to stay close to White Swan by staying with family or friends.
“When tragedy happens, we come together as one, as a family,” said Donald Isadore. “That was our teaching as we grew up from our elders. When one hurts, we all hurt, and in this case, tragedy hit White Swan hard.”
Isadore and the White Swan Community Center has been at the center of the donation efforts. Collecting donations and providing food has been essential for families to recover.
Multiple victims who lost their home say it was at the community center they had their first meals and showers after the fire started.
The donations that have been harder to gather. Homes.
Families have reported they aren’t getting assistance from FEMA during the recovery. FEMA says because Slide Ranch was not declared a major disaster, it was only allowed to help with fighting the fire rather than recovery.
“FEMA is coordinating with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation on assessing their damages,” reads a statement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Once that process is complete, the tribe can request additional assistance if they determine that’s necessary. “
