The Red Apple Fire started the evening of Tuesday July 13th and spread rather quickly. Eventually burning over 11,000 acres.

The fire started a few miles from our house and when friends first alerted us, we decided it would be a good time to run through our fire plan. The fire was close enough to be aware but far enough not to be too concerned yet. We casually started to get some things packed up, focusing on all our animal residents’ needs. It didn’t take us long to get the trailer hooked up to the van, crates filled with straw, hay or blankets, food & bowls loaded and ready to go. We were feeling relieved to know we had the opportunity for the dry run through and that it went quite smoothly and quickly. The wind was in our favor and the fire was not moving this direction. That night we slept well and we had a normal morning, just casually thinking of how differently it could be.

Eric was working and I was finishing up morning chores around 11am, when I looked up and there was a massive cloud of smoke behind the ridgeline above our house. I ran and got Eric to show him and things started to feel real. We were thinking another fire had started in just the next canyon over. We were back on alert and adding additional belongings to what we had already prepared. We were on a Level 1 Evacuation at this time meaning “be aware”. Well, we were definitely aware!

Neither of us could focus on much except the large plume of smoke on the ridgeline. Eric and I continued to work, as able, and we both did a good job of keeping an eye on the plume! About 1:30pm, the plume grew in size and darkened in color. We thought, “this is it. We need to think about leaving.” We alerted a friend to come help, who had been on standby, waiting to help all morning. The plume seemed to lighten again after a little time had gone by and we continued to watch, monitor, and Eric took a little drive for another perspective. By this time the fire had burned all the way East almost to the Columbia River in Wenatchee and was on its way back this way. It had covered some ground in less than a day. We realized we didn’t have to leave yet and that we still had more time, so it might be worth thinking about packing some of our own items as well. Eric packed a bag of clothes and headed down to the shop with a friend to pack up his most important items there. I had a friend, who is seasoned with fire evacuations, walk me through our house and pack up what we wanted from here. All our essentials and most beloved items were in the truck, ready to go. The cops made their way down the canyon knocking on the door of each and every home, leap frogging with multiple cars, so they were sure not to miss a home. They notified us that we were now at a Level 2 evacuation “be ready”. They wanted the number of the folks on our property, what was in each building, generally speaking, and if we planned to stay or go if evacuated. We said, “We are out of here, as soon as we need to be.”

So, we watched. All we could do was watch and wait. The wind continued to be in our favor but the plume continued to bellow. Another dear friend had shown up by now to help and stay the night, to keep watch. We rotated 2 hr shifts throughout the night so someone was always awake and “eyes on.” Eric and I were already exhausted, but it was challenging to sleep even so. I remember just staring out of our bedroom window watching the glow travel along the horizon.

Feeling a slight amount of relief as the sky started to brighten with sunlight. The fire intensified overnight and spread closer to us, but the favoring winds prevented it from spreading into our canyon and the winds continued to blow in our favor.

We stayed packed and pre-loaded to go at a moments notice for the next couple of days. Even sharing our travel toothbrush in the house. Our animal residents had no idea that anything was different and were enjoying a regular day of life. We on the other hand, were focused, worried, tired, and watching intently.

Tulips decided to just curl up for a nap

Our friends and community were amazing. The messages, calls, and offers to help, from so many, meant the World to us. Even folks we had never met before were reaching out offering to help transport or provide a safe place for us to stay if we needed to leave.

It takes a community, and we have a special one, no doubt. THANK YOU so much to everyone who reached out.

We continue to think of everyone who wasn’t as fortunate, sending our prayers and good wishes to humans, domestic animals, wildlife, firefighters, shelter volunteers etc. who were affected by the fire. Thinking of everyone on the ground and in the air, doing their very best to keep us safe. We are so grateful.

We were moved down from a Level 2 “be ready” to a Level 1 “be aware” Saturday afternoon, July 17th. Astrid and I feel like that is worth celebrating! 🎉 The Red Apple Fire has since been fully contained. We know we are still mid fire season, with an incredibly dry landscape, and temperatures in the high 90s, low 100 s, but we are feeling so grateful that we are home, and didn’t have to evacuate for this one. We’ve been able to get some good sleep and relax a bit again.

All of our animal residents are still unaware there was ever a concern, just how we want it! 😊

The fire crews and all the human power that goes into these operations is pretty incredible.

Our awesome volunteers went and picked us up lunch!

We can’t thank our friends and community enough for being there for us when we needed it most. We are so grateful and feel so fortunate. Thank you. ❤️

~ Namaste

The Red Apple Fire

Primo & Squiddy at WSU

In Memory of Yodi