In the aftermath of July’s devastating fires in Boardman, neighbors, first responders, and businesses came together to support families and rebuild hope.
On a hot and windy afternoon in July, flames swept through an area in Boardman, forever changing the lives of five families and destroying the town’s lone food pantry. In the span of merely hours, homes filled with precious memories were reduced to ash, and a vital community resource was gone.
Yet in the face of devastation, Boardman’s true character shone. Neighbors rushed to help neighbors and churches, businesses, and volunteers opened their doors while first responders worked tirelessly through exhaustion to put out the flames.
Resiliency is woven into the fabric of Boardman - it’s always been a part of the town’s story. From a full town relocation in the 1950s to weathering economic shifts, Boardman has overcome and created a close-knit community.
The fires not only ruined homes, but also devastated the infrastructure of the surrounding neighborhood, burning hot enough to melt plastic conduit underground and, fueled by high winds, pass embers from one house to another faster than the first responders could manage. During the fires, private resources came together to fight the fires – and the wind – as mutual aid crews from neighboring fire districts made their way on scene. During this time, for the safety of all personnel on scene, Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) was asked to deenergize lines in the evacuated areas, affecting additional families. Eventually, progress of the flames subsided, and the fires were able to be contained.
Unfortunately, despite best efforts with everyone involved, five families faced the unimaginable: losing their homes, and local food bank, the Boardman Food Pantry, was leveled.
The end of the active firefighting was only the beginning of the road for the Boardman community, though.
As the fires were cleaned up, many nearby homes remained under an evacuation order and needed somewhere to go. The American Red Cross quickly activated evacuation sites, allowing temporarily displaced families a place to go during the evacuation. UEC crews worked side by side with first responders, many putting in over 48 hours straight to restore power safely after the extensive damage to the area.
In the days that followed, the community of Boardman showed its heart in a major way.
The outpouring of generosity was nothing short of remarkable. Countless individuals stepped up to support the families that had lost everything. Donations of food, clothing, and monetary support came quickly and abundantly, blessing many individuals during the tragedy.
The King’s Garden Church in Boardman opened its doors to be a donation site and the church was quickly filled. When the needs of the families were met, access to the donated items were then shared with the community. Ultimately, the abundance of donations benefitted people in need across the Pacific Northwest as far north as White Swan, Wash., turning the town’s heartbreaking situation into a wave of impact across the northwest.
In a letter to the editor from the King’s Garden Church in the August issue of North Morrow Times, the following was shared:
“Town: your donations not only helped the families and our local community. They helped people beyond our community, as well. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and time. We love this little town, and we love your caring hearts.”
In addition to material support, financial accounts were created to support the cause, as well. The Boardman Fire Relief Fund was quickly set up at Bank of Eastern Oregon, ensuring every dollar would go directly to the families and the rebuilding of the pantry.
Within a week, the Boardman Food Pantry secured a temporary location and restocked its shelves, ensuring it could continue its operation, supporting citizens in the region.
Since the fires in July, restoration efforts have continued for both the families and the pantry.
The citizens of Boardman have supported each other in an intentional and meaningful way, showcasing the fabric of this community is strong and the people care for one another.
Umatilla Electric is proud to support the community of Boardman during this time of rebuilding. Through the dedication of our staff during the emergency to financial support, graciously matched by our financial partner CoBank, we stand committed to helping restore what was lost.
We are proud to serve the Boardman area as your electric cooperative – not just with electricity, but also with care, commitment, and hope for brighter days ahead.
“We thank all first responders and community volunteers that stepped up to fight the fire, and subsequently, support the rebuilding of the lives of those affected,” says UEC’s President/CEO, Robert Echenrode. “We also thank our lineman and system operators for their dedication and focus to restore power safely, despite exhausting conditions and many long hours with intense focus.”
If you are interested in supporting the rebuilding of the Boardman Food Pantry or assisting the families affected by the Kinkade fire, financial contributions are accepted at any Bank of Eastern Oregon branch under the name “Boardman Fire Relief Fund.”
Interested in supporting the Boardman Food Pantry? An event has been coordinated for Sept. 4 at the SAGE Center. Details about the event can be found here.