Western Pines Fire consumes homes

MOCCASIN BAY - A fast-moving wildfire that began northeast of Davenport on Wednesday, July 9, has destroyed more than 50 structures and burned over 5,800 acres, prompting evacuations and drawing hundreds of personnel to the area.

The Western Pines Fire, named after the rural road near its point of origin, is believed to be human-caused, though the exact cause remains under investigation, according to Washington Department of Natural Resources officials.

As of Tuesday, July 15, the fire was 12% contained with 411 personnel assigned and a full-suppression strategy in place.

Structure assessments confirmed 21 primary structures-such as homes, cabins and RVs-and 30 secondary structures, including garages, chicken-coops, sheds and outbuildings, have been lost.

Level 3 evacuation orders remain in effect for the burn area, with Level 1 notices in surrounding zones. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office continues to update affected areas as fire activity changes.

Some of the worst damage was reported in Moccasin Bay, where only two trailers remain. The rest of the park, including numerous vehicles and the area's only gas pump, was completely destroyed by the fire.

Cabins and trailers surrounding Moccasin Bay sustained varying levels of damage, with many completely destroyed by the blaze.

In response to evacuations, the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Davenport opened to displaced residents and their animals. The grounds are currently sheltering evacuees, livestock and pets-including horses, chickens, dogs, and more-providing critical aid for those who left their homes.

While most residents evacuated as directed, some chose to return and defend their property alongside firefighting crews.

Christopher Roberge, a resident of Western Pines Drive, evacuated with his family after watching flames crest a nearby hill. He returned the next morning with a water tank to assist strike teams and check on his property.

"Yeah, we evacuated yesterday [Wednesday, July 9]. We saw the fire come up and over the hill, and we kind of waited around as long as we possibly could," Roberge said. "Then we had to evacuate to a friend's house closer into town. He brought us out this morning and we assessed-had a bunch of hot spots over the property-so I brought my water tank back in, filled it up, and just started helping."

Roberge's home and campground were spared with the combined efforts of firefighters, including Department of Natural Resources Striker teams, and his friend Tim Nemitz.

"They saved the structure, they saved my trailer, they saved the cabin, they saved our camp down here," he said. "I actually have two campers that are full-time here now. But yeah, we're just hanging tight, trying to help these guys as much as possible with the little resources we have."

Roberge said the emotional weight of the fire hit hardest when thinking of his family and neighbors.

"It was scary. I have two young daughters," he said. "To hear everybody over at Moccasin Bay losing everything-it was crazy. It literally jumped from hillside to hillside. It jumped over the canyon, and the winds were so high yesterday, it just went over so fast. I pray that everybody got out safely."

As of press time, crews continue to reinforce fire lines and mop up remaining hot spots. Emergency responders urge residents to remain alert as weather and fire behavior continue to be monitored.

Author Bio

Olivia Harnack, Managing Editor

Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.