VIDEO/PHOTOS: From smoldering piles to charred grounds, the destructive path of Kinkade Fire in the northern Oregon town on Friday, July 18th, has left a considerable mark. Five homes burned to the ground, one of which was a two-story residence. Nearby neighbors spoke in depth with KEPR News about what they saw firsthand amidst the smoke and flames, all while trying to protect their own homes. “It was impossible to see across the street, and this house here, 30 minutes is all it took before it was gone. And the next house to the west, again 30 minutes, and the two-story further west, 35 minutes,” said Paul Beagle, a homeowner who lives in direct sight of where four of the houses burned down.
“I think it is the worst fire that the town of Boardman has seen in the 24 years that I’ve been here.” The homes weren’t the only casualties of the blaze, however, as the fire also destroyed the city’s Food Pantry, which was housed in a former Lutheran Church and was a lifeline for more than 200 families in the area. Miraculously, the cross on top of the building was spared from any real damage, with hopes to be used in the future as a dedication to what was lost. Local leaders say the destructive tragedy has led to a mass outpouring of community support. “Once they finished fighting the fire and lifted the evac notice, people started bringing supplies,” said Rick Weiss, a local pastor and community aid organizer.
