Carlton fire takes local toll

The residence of Leaf and Erin McGreevy Seaburg, who resided two miles north of Twisp, was one of those consumed to the Carlton Complex fire last week. Erin Seaburg is a member of the Colfax High School class of 1994 and recently attended their 20th-year reunion at Colfax. She is the daughter of Ken and Kathy McGreevey of Colfax.

Their parents report said the Seaburgs were ordered to evacuate the residence about 4:30 p.m. last Thursday. Seaburg, who was guiding a fishing trip at the time, later returned to the house to water it down, but it was destroyed by the raging forest fire some time after he departed.

They had arranged for their two sons, Leo 7, and Finley 4, to stay at Wenatchee earlier in the week.

The Seaburgs who were renting the house, lost almost all of their possessions in the fire. They are now staying with relatives in the area and are uncertain when they might return. Their house was located about 30 miles north of Pateros where the Carlton fire took its largest toll.

Residents who would like to assist the family can make a donations at U.S. Bank or check with Erin’s parents in Colfax.

Colfax residents are also starting a donation drive for victims of the Pateros fire. Preliminary contacts indicate a big need for breakfast cereals, bottled water and snacks. A dropoff point will be at Events on Main.