Helping hands

On Sunday, Jan 15, an old house converted to six rental units went up in flames. It was located on East Street in Colfax.

Fire units from around the county responded. A ladder truck from Pullman was even brought in to direct water down on the building. The age of the structure and the changes made over the years made the emergency response dangerous. The firefighters reported some injuries as they made sure the building was evacuated. In the cold, water froze on the structure and iced up the surrounding area, even causing dangerous conditions downhill on Highway 195.

Despite the efforts, the house was lost.

All those at home were evacuated safely, but suddenly they were thrust from their homes into the sub-freezing weather. Neighbors and others immediately helped them.

They were given shelter and whatever they needed—so were the emergency responders.

The ten residents lost everything. Those displaced ranged from young families with infants to the elderly.

The outpouring of assistance was instantaneous. All were given places to stay, whether with friends or family.

Then they had to start putting their lives back together.

Businesses responded with immediate donations for those at the scene. Food, gift cards, clothing, furniture and other necessaries have been provided from a variety of sources. Churches ran fundraisers to help. The Red Cross responded. At least three GoFundMe sites are up and running. Steve’s Glass is an unofficial drop off point for donations.

From the official response to the fire in the worst of weather conditions to other agencies involved in securing the structure and utilities to the unofficial responses from businesses, organizations and individuals in looking after those displaced, everything was done with care, compassion and efficiency.

It may be some time before the lives of all residents of the house are back to normal, but many have contributed to their eventual recovery.

It is a story that gives meaning to neighbors and friends and a compassionate, small community.

Gordon Forgey,

Publisher