WA Wildfire: People Return Home
People Returning Home
Gerald Cosand described what it was like seeing his Cle Elum house for the first time in four days.
"Everything's fine. Everything's just like we left it and like it's been for a long time," said Cosand.
Cosand was surprised by the positive outcome.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said about those who live nearby.
"There's burned up homes, some buildings, some vehicles, that's very devestating. Very hard," said Cosand.
Cosand and his wife have spent the last few days at a shelter in ellensburg after the fire forced them out of their neighborhood, called sunlight waters.
As of today the Taylor Bridge Fire has burned more than 22,000 acres and destroyed about 70 houses and 110 outbuildings - officials say no homes or buildings have burned today.
More than 950 firefighters are still on the scene -- along with an entire community providing nonstop support
And that support continues at the Swiftwater Cellars, where they will be putting on a benefit concert for firefighters and victims affected by the fire.
"Ours is all about raising dollars that we can directly benefit these victims to help them in some way. It is very important to support these people in this effort right now," said Swiftwater Cellars owner Lori Watts.
Gerald Cosand says he won't be making it to the concert tonight, instead, he'll be finding a way to help his friends who are without a home.
"You'd have to lose it to fully understand it and feel it. This area, is a wonderful area to live in. People are looking after each other, and when there's problems like this they come out and help you," said Cosand.
That relief concert at Swiftwater starts at 6:00 and will run until 10:30.
Firefighters in Cle Elum are currently battling a new ten acre fire that started this afternoon near the Taylor Bridge Fire.
That spot fire is near the State Route 970 and US 97 intersection.
Another community meeting will be held tonight in Ellensburg to brief the public on the latest fire information.
Tonight's meeting starts at 7 P.M and will be held at Central Washington University's Student Union Recreation Room.