The land left in limbo in Okanogan County is where you find people still struggling to recover from two harsh summers.
In July of 2014, the Carlton Complex fire, sparked by lightning, destroyed more than 300 homes. The following year, in August, lightning started the Okanogan Complex fire. More than 100 homes burned.
Ernie Figlenski says it took three hours to wipe out his home and two more that belong to his family.
“I don't know what the proper word is, embarrassing or real, real disappointing,” said Figlenski.
He says the responsibility to rebuild rests on his shoulders. It is up to him to take care of the family ranch. Over the years, it has been passed down. Ernie’s father gave it to Ernie's brother. Ernie's brother died of cancer.
“And when it became my turn to run things, you just lose it all, you know,” said Figlenski.
Part of the burden that comes with the burnt land is finding a way to keep the ranch going.
Livestock is a big part of the economy in Okanogan County, and fire destroyed grazing ground.
Jim Utt only has to look as far as his backyard to see it.
“We lost probably close to 1,400 acres of private ground. It is sad for me. It is really hard for my father because he was born and raised on the place,” said Utt. “The last hay that I got in, we paid $160 a ton for.”