WELLPINIT, Wash. – The Cayuse Mountain Fire has burned 1,800 acres and destroyed 13 homes, as of Wednesday evening.
One family, who lives two miles west of Wellpinit, said they lost their home in the fire but they were able to save their father’s home. They were surprised just how quickly the fire ripped through the area.
“This is what's left of my home. Walkway right here, it was up and in, bedroom and kitchen back there and living room here,” said Daniel Wynne.
Wynne and his family have lived on the Spokane Indian Reservation for decades.
“A lot of memories right there. Been here for a few years, you know I've lived here all my life,” said Wynne.
When they saw the fire heading right toward them, they initially tried to stay and fight it on their own.
“One of our volunteer firefighters, he came and said 'Dan that hose and shovel ain’t gonna cut it, you better get the hell out of here,'” said Wynne. “So I looked, I jumped in my pickup and left with what I had on.”
Wynne's father's home was saved but there was nothing he could do to save his own. He said the hardest part was coming back to see what was left.
“I had to come back and look at it, see everything that you built and worked hard for is gone," he said. "You try to keep a positive attitude. You know, well, I can rebuild."
Although he is keeping a positive attitude in the midst of devastation, there are still things he will never be able to replace.
“Oh man what can you say? Everything you got, all your pictures, your memories, everything I have. Horses, I just turned my horses loose and prayed to God they found a good spot,” he explained.
Wynne said friends and family have already offered to help clear the rubble and bring supplies to rebuild. He hopes to have a new home built by spring.