Less than a month ago, the Ilwaco, Wash. Volunteer Fire Station burned down, destroying much of the 120-year-old department's history.
"The station was completely destroyed," Doug Knutzen, a member of the department since 1985, said. "We're going through an insurance nightmare right now."
Knutzen said what has made the process even more difficult has been the inability to search the station due to the ongoing investigation.
The exact cause of the Nov. 30 fire still has not been determined, but an electrical panel was located near the source of the fire. The loss was initially estimated at $2.5 million.
"We really can't do much until we get a settlement from the insurance company," he said.
The department, while down, doesn't appear to be out. Support from local departments throughout Washington and Oregon has allowed the department to rebuild. Currently, its members are using the local museum as a meeting place and the city's maintenance shops to store their donated bunker gear.
Along with the bunker gear, Knutzen said an ambulance was donated to the department and the Long Beach, Wash. Department has allowed them to borrow one of their trucks. One engine and a brush truck were rescued by members of the department.
This Sunday, the Ilwaco Fire Department -- 25 members strong -- has planed to parade down the center of the city in their gear in order to make a statement.
"We want everyone to know we are still here and that they are still protected," Knutzen said.
As one of the oldest continually operating departments in Washington, Ilwaco appears ready to handle the challenge of moving forward after tragedy.
"We're going to buck up and deal with it," Knutzen said. "We're talking about potentially relocating the station. Whatever we decide to do, we're trying to look at something that's going to work for a long time."
If you wish to make a donation or contact the department, e-mail the department at [email protected] or Doug Knutzen at [email protected] or call Knutzen at 360-244-2720. The department's mailing address is: Ilwaco Fire Department, 120 First Ave. North, P.O. Box 342, Ilwaco, WA 98624.
Related Stories
