FERRY COUNTY, Wash. — Thousands of people who evacuated the area near the Swawilla Fire on Wednesday and Thursday are clinging to hope they will return to their homes once the flames die down.
As of 5 p.m. on July 25, the Swawilla Fire has burned over 30,000 acres of land on the Colville Indian Reservation, two-and-a-half hours west of Spokane and northwest of Grand Coulee Dam.
Many families were told to evacuate their homes on Wednesday night.
Dr. Alison Boyd-Ball, Nespelem District Representative and Chairwoman for the Health and Human Services Committee packed up her valuables and left her home after receiving the evacuation notice.
“It’s when you get out of the situation you realize the stress and anxiety you carry in your body,” said Boyd-Ball.
Over the last few days, Boyd-Ball said she could see the Swawilla Fire smoke growing close to her home. By Wednesday night, she said flames lit up the sky.
“It’s a spiritual nature, that connection to where you reside and what you call home. It’s a safe place,” said Boyd-Ball.
Jarred Michael Erickson, Chairman for the Confederation Tribes of the Colville Reservation, said the law few days have been nerve-wracking for the community.
“These are people’s belongings and homes. life is more important than your residence, but you don’t know what is going to happen to all your belongings in one place…and don’t know where you go if that is lost,” said Erickson.
As of 5:30 p.m. on July 25, the Swawilla Fire has some containment along its southern edge, according to Northern Rockies Coordination Team 6.
More than 300 air and ground crews are working to put out the fire.
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