MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. – A year after a devastating fire, residents of Medical Lake are beginning to rebuild their lives and homes.
Medical Lake Mayor Terri Cooper has opened up about the state of the city as it recovers from the disaster that claimed one life and displaced hundreds of residents.
The fire left an entire block charred, affecting 240 homeowners, including 55 within the city limits. One person tragically lost their life attempting to evacuate.
Mayor Cooper reflects on this difficult time, saying, “If God had not protected us, I don’t know what the outcome would’ve been,” Cooper said.
Nonetheless, Mayor Cooper emphasizes hope and resilience, noting that the loss of livelihood has been significant but the community remains strong. “It’s still very fresh, very raw, very painful for people to think about, but hope is rising,” she said.
Out of the 55 affected Medical Lake residents, 47 are currently rebuilding their homes. Fourteen of these residents have already moved back in. “Most of these were also, these are all new. And so that’s what you’re looking at today are homes that are in various stages of rebuilding,” Cooper said.
The quick response from regional agencies played a critical role in saving lives and properties.
“600 assets on the ground within about 24 hours, and I can’t tell you what peace that brought, and I’ll tell you lives were saved,” Cooper said.
Looking ahead, Mayor Cooper is committed to supporting the community, expressing her intentions to run for the mayor’s seat again to see through the rebuilding efforts.
County-wide, the recovery process continues, with about 17% of the 366 families who lost their homes in both fires having completed the rebuild. Around half are still in the process of rebuilding. Unfortunately, approximately 80 families lack the funds or insurance to rebuild, currently living in RVs or temporary rentals.
“On behalf of the Long Term Recovery Group, the City of Medical Lake, the Elk area, thank you,” Cooper expressed gratitude to all those who have helped.
