By Rebecca Marshall

When the Red Cross talks about partnerships after a disaster, this is what they mean.  On August 6, 2025, close to a dozen agencies gathered at the Lions Club in Lyle, Washington to help those who’ve been affected by the Burdoin Fire. 

 The Burdoin Fire burned 10,675 acres, destroyed 17 homes and dozes of other structures including businesses, before it was contained. It’s the worst fire in Klickitat County in recent memory and it left a community pulling together on the road to recovery.

The Red Cross joined these groups and provided recovery assistance, disaster mental health services, handed out “Prepare Guides” and delivered over 265 clean up items for folks who are able to return to their homes. 

“I wasn’t expecting it, and it was nice,” said one man whose home was destroyed by the fire.  

The Director of Klickitat County Emergency Management and 911 dispatch, Jeff King, talked about what this kind of collaboration means to the community and the importance of events like these.

“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.

Most of these people at the disaster assistance center weren’t even sure what they’d need to recover and made their way from table to table asking questions and getting guidance. For example, if a person lost his driver’s license in the fire or lost his vehicles, there was a team of people who could help him with that.

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.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.     

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