Evacuees wait to hear fate of homes

SPIRIT LAKE - Jeannie Wilkins was overcome with emotion on Monday when she arrived at an evacuation center for the Cape Horn fire near Bayview.

She and her husband, Byron, fled their home on Cape Horn Road to the center at Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake, not knowing if their house was going to be destroyed.

"If we knew where we stood, it would be much easier," Byron said softly.

The Wilkinses were met by American Red Cross volunteers, who offered emotional support and food for the couple.

Multiple evacuees said they were frustrated that they couldn't find out if their homes have burned.

Jim Lyon, Northern Lakes Fire District spokesman, said fire agencies understand their concern, but the focus right now is trying to contain the fire and ensuring the safety of residents and fire personnel.

"The visibility is poor and the conditions are so dangerous," he said. "We're not in mop-up mode yet. We haven't had the opportunity to identify specific addresses. We can't go to every resident and give them the time that they deserve because we're still putting out the fire."

The center at the school is among several efforts launched to assist evacuees as the fire reported on Sunday continued to rage uncontrolled Monday night.

The Athol Community Center is serving as a waiting area, while the Kootenai County Fairgrounds is offering refuge to all types of animals and RV and camp spaces.

Heritage Health has its mobile health clinics at the school and community center. Staff and volunteers at all of those sites said many community members have offered support.

Evacuee John Doerflinger said he and his elderly father, Walter, fortunately went to the center at the school to receive an update on the fire.

Walter, who fled his Bayview-area home without his medications, had a medical episode on site on Monday that required him to be transported to the hospital.

John said a neighbor knocked on Walter's door on Sunday about the fire that was closing on their property.

"The neighbor told him what was going on and that he had to get out. It was a blessing from God," said John, who was driving home from Sandpoint when he saw the smoke.

"I cling to faith during times like this. I'm just glad we got out safely."

Evacuee Don Henson stopped by the Timberlake fire department in Athol with his girlfriend, Karen Nelson, to receive supplies.

"We're just letting time do its thing and hoping for the best," he said.

Their dog and cat were left behind at home as the two didn't realize they wouldn't be allowed to return due to the fire danger.

"We went to town, and I didn't think that it would get that bad," Henson said.

Ron and Kathy Bollinger pulled their RV to the school on Monday with their dogs and motorcycles in back of their truck on Monday until they found a place with hookups.

"All of the people here have been wonderful," Kathy said. "As soon as we saw flames on the mountain, we decided it was time to get out. This was so fast and unexpected. One day we're watching fireworks and the next we're watching smoke billow from the mountain. It was devastating to see that smoke."

They said they were planning to stay at an RV park in Bayview until September and make an offer on a home for sale on Cape Horn Road.

"We're not sure if that home is going to make it," Kathy said.

The two stayed near the White Pine Cafe in Athol on Sunday night.

"It was great for a night, but we need hookups until we figure out what to do," Ron said. "With temperatures in the 90s, it can get really hot."

Fran Adams, a Red Cross volunteer, said 14 evacuees had utilized the center at the school Sunday night through early Monday night. She said she was expecting more evacuees to utilize the center on Monday night as the evacuation area was extended along Perimeter Road from Salee Creek Road east to Cape Horn Road. A pre-evacuation notice was also in effect for Bayview.

"We're prepared to stay open as long as necessary," Adams said. "The community has been very generous about sending donations."

Adams had a list of about 50 residents who provided their contact information offering help.

Olive Garden agreed to provide a meal on Monday night, while the Baptist church in Spirit Lake offered to cook meals on site.

A steady stream of residents came to the evacuation center and Timberlake Fire Protection District in Athol with donations and offering to help any way they could.

Athol's Fred Peterson, who consoled the Doerflingers at the school, offered his horse trailer to move animals.

"I told the Red Cross that my trailer and truck are available," he said.

Athol's Sue McMahan went to the school with her kids to speak with volunteers and offer assistance.

"It can be hard to know what to do," she said. "They said they are good so far, but encouraged me to check back (Monday night)."

Others offered their property as a place for evacuees to stay.

At the fairgrounds, manager Dane Dugan and his staff were preparing for animals large and small to arrive Monday night as there were several inquiries about finding refuge for the animals. The Kootenai Humane Society brought kennels to the fairgrounds as temporary shelters.

"We're here for the community to gather to celebrate (during the fair) and we're here for emergencies," Dugan said.

Byron Wilkins said he's trying to stay upbeat amid a disaster.

"Every time bad happens, something good happens afterward," he said. "I'm an optimist when something like this happens."

Update, help information

For updates on the Cape Horn fire near Bayview on the south end of Lake Pend Oreille, visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov. Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake is serving as an evacuation center operated by the American Red Cross and has showers and food and hygiene supplies available. Residents are not required to stay overnight to utilize any shelter services. The shelter will remain open as long as necessary. The Athol Community Center is serving as a waiting area, but does not have showers. Heritage Health has mobile medical clinics at both locations. The Kootenai County Fairgrounds is offering shelter for all types of animals. It also has RV hookups available and space for camping. If you need help transporting animals, call Equa Dance Meadows Farm at 651-9639. The Greater Inland Northwest Chapter of the Red Cross has opened eight shelters over the past seven days throughout central and eastern Washington and North Idaho. If you would like to support the work of the Red Cross in response to disasters big and small, you can make a financial gift at www.redcross.org or call (800) RED-CROSS. Donations can also be mailed or dropped off at 315 W. Nora Ave., Spokane, WA 99205. Donations of goods such as towels and blankets can be dropped off at the Athol Community Center, 30355 N. Third St.