STEHEKIN, Wash. — Despite fire officials saying that no structures have been severely damaged during the Pioneer Fire, residents and businesses in the small town of Stehekin are feeling its impact.
Especially during a time when businesses usually thrive off tourism.
"This time of year is our bread and butter,” Billy Brooks said. “So, it kills the economy for the whole town."
Stehekin is known for its beautiful views.
"(It's) like a war zone," Brooks said. "You could see the smoke; you could see the flames. A lot of fire personnel running around, hooking up hoses. We had sprinklers on all our buildings."
Brooks described conditions in the Pioneer Fire earlier this month, which has raged since June. It’s impacted several of Stehekin’s businesses including North Cascades Lodge where he works.
"(The fire was) surrounding us and our guests had to be boated out," Brooks said.
Despite a Level 3 Evacuation Order in place, which means people should leave immediately.
Brooks and other locals, like small business owner Nick Davis are staying put.
"I love where I live,” Davis said. “I love the people here. I love everything this community stands for."
Officials believe this is a human-caused fire. The fire has burned more than 37,000 acres as of Sunday.
"Not only are they staring down a barrel, at least a 50% cut to their annual income, but the money they have in the bank right now they're having to give back because it's all deposits people are taking for trips they couldn't make," Davis said.
Davis said businesses have stepped up to help fire crews battle the flames and provided equipment, meals and transportation.
The people of Stehekin are continuing to protect what they love the most.
“Everybody that I love and care about is pretty much here,” Brooks said. “It's a great place to live."
"Next to God, family and friends there's nothing I love more than this community," Davis said.
Fire officials estimate it could take the end of October before the fire is fully contained.