VQ13fox.com - Photo by Cathy@augtopia / August 14, 2012
We have heard from the Kittitas Valley UU Congregation (Ellensburg, WA) that the nearby “Taylor Bridge Fire” has spared homes and property of members so far, though all are pitching in to help their neighbors who have not been as fortunate. Along with evacuating their families, farmers and ranchers in the area have scrambled to relocate livestock — and some have been lost as have at least 51 houses and 26 outbuildings, plus at least 6 more homes damaged.
Wildfires continue to blaze through the Western states, including in the Boise National Forest and Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest. Lightning strikes also sparked fires in Oregon near borders with California and Nevada.
UUs in the Colorado Springs area did lose homes, prompting the UUA Mountain Desert District to establish an emergency fund to help those who were affected. This fund is now available to assist UUs throughout our Pacific Western District, including the PNWD.
If your congregants have been affected by the western wildfires, please contact Janine Larsen, UUA Pacific NW District Executive.
Thanks to all who have contributed to the relief fund. A contribution link may be found at http://www.mdduua.org/.
