The land left in limbo in Okanogan County is where you find people still struggling to recover from two harsh summers.
In July of 2014, the Carlton Complex fire, sparked by lightning, destroyed more than 300 homes. The following year, in August, lightning started the Okanogan Complex fire. More than 100 homes burned.
Ernie Figlenski says it took three hours to wipe out his home and two more that belong to his family.
“I don't know what the proper word is, embarrassing or real, real disappointing,” said Figlenski.
He says the responsibility to rebuild rests on his shoulders. It is up to him to take care of the family ranch. Over the years, it has been passed down. Ernie’s father gave it to Ernie's brother. Ernie's brother died of cancer.
“And when it became my turn to run things, you just lose it all, you know,” said Figlenski.
Part of the burden that comes with the burnt land is finding a way to keep the ranch going.
Livestock is a big part of the economy in Okanogan County, and fire destroyed grazing ground.
Jim Utt only has to look as far as his backyard to see it.
“We lost probably close to 1,400 acres of private ground. It is sad for me. It is really hard for my father because he was born and raised on the place,” said Utt. “The last hay that I got in, we paid $160 a ton for.”
As ranchers work to keep their businesses viable, fire survivors, like David Tinney, work to stay optimistic.
“I stayed, I stayed as long as possible,” said Tinney as he peered over a charred section of Tunk Valley.
Flames destroyed his home. His belongings are burnt, and there’s no running water. Despite all the obstacles, he has not moved away. He's been camping out. He relies on the creek for water. He built a makeshift shelter.
“It is just a matter of savings, and doing what I can to get it back together again,” said Tinney.
The Okanogan County Long Term Recovery group is replacing homes for people who can’t afford to rebuild on their own. The effort is funded by donors, and the work is done by volunteers. The goal is to replace 44 homes over the course of three years.
Carlene Anders heads up the Long Term Recovery Group, and says they are still helping families displaced by the 2014 Cartlon Complex fire.
“I would tear up if I started talking about the people who have helped here,” said Anders.
Donations and volunteer help are the reasons why Joe Glandon has a home today.
“I never knew there were so many wonderful people in the world,” said Glandon.
But Joes' is just one home in a county that's lost hundreds.
After harsh summers back-to-back, the snowcapped mountains stand out. Green grass is popping back up on the hillsides. People who live in the county know, if it turns hot and dry, the grass becomes fuel. That’s the danger. But in Okanogan County, there’s also determination.
“Give up isn’t an option,” said Utt.
