Story Photos
 Lanae Peetz, right, comforts her daughter, tenant Christian Hardesty, as firefighters extinguish a fire Friday evening at the Barton House Apartments. Bill Wagner / The Daily News
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Kelso fire leaves 30 homeless
Friday, June 13, 2008 11:47 PM PDT
By Tony Lystra
Printable version
E-mail this articleShelly Bradford, had hoped to return to her Kelso apartment Friday night.
The flames had ripped through the far end of the building. Smoke poured over the street. And, as heat popped the windows of apartment No. 5, people had time to grab only their wallets, their children and their pets.
Still, she figured, how bad could it be?
Nearly two hours later, as she learned that no one would be returning to the building, her face went slack. She pressed a hand to her cheek, the full weight of the evening’s events coming down on her.
“Homeless,” she said. “That sucks.”
Bradford, 40, and at least 29 other tenants were driven from the three-story building, at 1203 Cowlitz Way, after a three-alarm fire devoured one apartment and left the others filled with smoke.
As fire crews doused the building, the tenants milled in the street below, smoking cigarettes, bouncing children in their arms. Some planned to stay with family members, but most waited for the Red Cross to arrive, to tell them where they’d be sleeping.
“I’m just in shock,” said Dennis Wachob, 48, who lives in apartment No. 7 with his 13-year-old daughter, Jessica. “I don’t know what to do from here.”
Twelve engines from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue as well as fire departments in Longview, Woodland, Castle Rock and Kalama swarmed the narrow street at 8 p.m., bringing with them several ambulances and command trucks.
They found apartment No. 5 engulfed in flames. The fire, Cowlitz 2 Chief Dave LaFave said, threatened to stray through a common attic to the other units.
A Longview fire crew called for extra help, and LaFave put out a third alarm, just as a precaution, he said.
Crews managed to keep the fire from spreading, he said, but the building’s 19 apartments had all filled with smoke.
None of the tenants was injured, LaFave said, but a Dachshund bit a Cowlitz 2 firefighter in the face as he pulled it from the burning building.
Crews cut power to the complex, which is known as Barton House, and none of the building’s tenants were allowed to return, except to grab a few belongings.
Reneida Hamilton, 30, who had been staying with a friend in apartment 5, said she was preheating the oven to cook a pizza when she and a friend scooped up her 2-year-old daughter, Simone, and took her dogs for a short walk. She said they couldn’t have been gone for more than 10 minutes.
“When we came back, everything was in flames,” Hamilton said.
She rushed into the street and, like her neighbors, waited for the fire department to arrive.
Hamilton, who is unemployed, said she was staying at the apartment until she could “find a place with my housing voucher, which is now burnt.”
The baby’s clothes, diapers and stroller were all gone, she said, and she wasn’t sure where she’d stay Friday night.
Hamilton looked up at the scorched apartment, then to Simone, who was huddled in her arms. “She’s still asking for her pizza,” she said.
Christina Hardesty, 23, and her boyfriend, David Whitmire, 36, live in the apartment next door, No. 4, with their son, Marcus, who is 10 months old. The couple, who planned to stay with Hardesty’s mother, said the fire ate a hole through their wall and filled the apartment with smoke. They hoped to recover a few of their possessions, but all of the baby’s things -- clothes, diapers, formula, the crib -- would have to be thrown out, Hardesty said.
As the fire broke out, she said they’d “got the kid, got the dog and left.” She pounded on a few neighbors’ doors and yelled for them to call 911. Whitmire said he tried to enter the flaming apartment with a fire extinguisher, but was overcome and had to back away.
“It was too hot,” he said.
Just my opinion wrote on Jun 14, 2008 12:01 AM:
" Thank goodness no one was injured. Sad that so many lost their homes and belongings. "
mama_fox wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:22 AM:
" I used to live in Apt.7 with my 6mos. old baby and boyfriend 5yrs. ago. I was up the street and saw the commotion and thought maybe the fire was at my old apartment complex. I was sad to find out that it was. I had wonderful memories and fun neighbors when I lived there. Good luck to everyone at the Barton House. "
blanche62 wrote on Jun 14, 2008 7:23 AM:
" The fire was eviently started by a freeloader who was crashing there yet gets living vouchers from the state and has money for junk food. The story suggests some tenants keep multiple animals in their units. One bit a fireman in the face. I bet the owner wasn't paying dog rent. Doesn't this place have a Property Manager? It doesn't soound like a place with any sense of responsibility, i.e. -taking dog walks while pizzas are left unattended in hot oven! Geez. "
are my flaws showing? wrote on Jun 14, 2008 7:30 AM:
" This is really sad and I am glad that everyone is alright, but I hope that there are at least a fer people who do stop to read this story and realize that this fire could easily have been avoided! People didn't have to lose their homes and this is the reason that we have to read such retarded warning labels on toasters and irons:suck as do not use toaster near water or do not iron clothes on body.Come on when your stove or oven is on stay home that's like leaving lit candles burning unattended. Please people how many brain cells do you need to follow simple instructions to avoid permanent damage. Very sad story but someone could have lost their life because of someone else stupid mistake and it easily could have been a little baby. WAKE UP! "
bones wrote on Jun 14, 2008 7:34 AM:
" I hope that the community can give back to help all these people. How about an account to help too. I also hope the needed department and agencies are quick to help and get these people back on their feet. "
Scot Heisel, TDN wrote on Jun 14, 2008 9:20 AM:
" Please keep in mind that officials have yet to announce an official cause of this fire. "
Zucchini wrote on Jun 14, 2008 9:34 AM:
" It could very well be that the dog walk while waiting for the oven to preheat is what saved their lives, or saved them from injury. Everybody should just start smelling their own feet before complaining about how much others feet stink... (cool metaphor, huh?) "
Concerned Citizen wrote on Jun 14, 2008 9:39 AM:
" I have had a house fire, it is very traumatic. My prayers are with everyone involved. I have some baby furniture i no longer need, and will call the red cross to donate it to the family with the baby. Let's not jump on the lady who left the oven on...she's hurting enough right now, and that is not for sure the cause of the fire. Kindess and compassion is in order here! "
Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 14, 2008 9:59 AM:
" Bones....Are you kidding me with this? You expect the community to give back to these individuals? This is a tragic story and I wish the best for all who are affected, but I have news for you. I'll bet a lot of these people are already on the government dole in one way or another. Maybe THEY should be giving back to the community... "
CONCERENED wrote on Jun 14, 2008 10:49 AM:
" agree's with concerned citizen, and my thoughts and prayer are with all the people involved also, what a tragic story "
lola*in*longview wrote on Jun 14, 2008 10:59 AM:
" I feel sorry for the firemen and women that had to risk there lives rescuing animals and putting the fire out, because someone left the oven on unattended. Thank God no one was killed. If someone had been, would the woman who left the stove on be responsible and legally charged for the deaths. I sure would hope so. "
Rural Citizen wrote on Jun 14, 2008 11:07 AM:
" It really warms the heart to hear blanche62 beat up on people when they're at their lowest ebb.
My mother taught me if you have nothing nice to say about someone, a LADY says nothing.
But then I hear we stopped teaching MANNERS about the time a person born in 1962 might have become 12.
At least it's obvious SOME people did.
If not lack of manners, then it has to be lack of heart. "
My mother taught me if you have nothing nice to say about someone, a LADY says nothing.
But then I hear we stopped teaching MANNERS about the time a person born in 1962 might have become 12.
At least it's obvious SOME people did.
If not lack of manners, then it has to be lack of heart. "
Sea-Gal wrote on Jun 14, 2008 11:26 AM:
" Empathy, sympathy, compassion. Three attributes some posters here appear to lack. I hope the Red Cross was able to place the displaced tenants in temporary housing. Thankfully no one was injured or killed. "
Gramma cc wrote on Jun 14, 2008 11:50 AM:
" To:Girth VonPhister, My Daughter and grandsons live in that building and "Are Not" on "ANY" Goverment assistance, my daughter works her a....s off everyday and this Fire was very upsetting to her as much of her belongings have alot of smoke damage...so please do not sit around and assume things about people that you know nothing about...and to: blanche62, my friend ownes the dog that bit the fireman and yes she paid everything she was suppose to,the dog was just freaked out and scared, evrybody needs to quit assuming so much about people they don't even know...Have some human compassion people!!!! "
Gramma cc wrote on Jun 14, 2008 11:58 AM:
" I would just like to say before anyone makes stupid comments about the "OWNER" that I lived in that building for 7 years and he is an awsome person and if it wasn't for him being so understanding thru hard times I might not have had a place to live...He has been very good to me and my daughter and I sure hope that I do not have to read anything bad about him....and also the comment about whether the building has a property manager, what does the property manager have to do with it, he didn't start the fire and just because of a fire you are going to assume that the place has no sence of responsibility...People "ASSUME" way too much....to those of you that sit around and assume: Go get a life!!!! "
djevushka wrote on Jun 14, 2008 12:11 PM:
" Some close friends of mine are one of the families that have been displaced because of the fire. None of them were home when it happened, because we had all been celebrating one of their little girls 4th birthday, only to get that call that no one ever wants to get. When they got home, they were only given 2 min. to go in and and grab diapers, some clothes, and the little girls favorite blanket. These people lost their homes, and here people are making rude comments about whose fault it was and whether people have paid deposits for their pets? TDN did not report about the dachshund correctly. My friend had called the property manager Jim while on her way over to the apartment and asked for help in getting her pets out and he was the one that got the dachshund out and the firefighter tried to help out by taking the dog from him and she bit him. My friend sought that firefighter out and apologized for the dogs actions and the firefighter understood that she was just scared. Of course the pet deposit was paid for the dog to be there. Geez people. Focus on what is actually important here. I had to bring that up cause it just bothers me how judgmental people are and they have no clue as to what actually is going on. So now I am going to go and help my friends try to salvage what they can. "
Just my opinion wrote on Jun 14, 2008 12:52 PM:
" TDN- Is it possible to get a list of ages and sexes of the children that lost their clothes, toys, and other belongings in this fire? I have quite a bit of stuff from both my young daughter and son that I would be willing to part with to make sure that children are taken care of. "
somedude wrote on Jun 14, 2008 1:03 PM:
" I can't understand some of the comments that are here. Any family who loses all their belonging's in a fire is a tragedy! I could understand the negative comments if this was a crack house but it wasn't! My family and I have lost all our belongings in a fire there are no feelings or words to describe the feeling these folks are going through Complete devistation. The people who put negative comments have have something seriously something wrong with them, Did your mommy and Daddy's not give you enough hugs as a child? Seriously, what's your problems? "
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Jun 14, 2008 1:09 PM:
" Not all these people are on the dole. On of the ladies I know who lives there works two jobs very hard just to support herself. Don't lump them all in the same catagory!!! "
Gramma cc wrote on Jun 14, 2008 1:55 PM:
" TO Just my opinion: Here are the sizes that I know of: Apt#18- 2T girls and 4T girls.....Apt#5 I believe is 18-24 months boys....Also if anyone has any advice on how to get the smell of fire out of clothes your advice would be greatly appreciated, my daughter lives in #16 which didn't burn or get the water damage but did get smoke damage and her and my 2 Grandsons clothes smell terrible... "
rosy wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:08 PM:
" TO BLANCHE62 & OTHERS LIKE HER: What's wrong with you people? Isn't there enough suffering and misery in the world of ALL types that you have to add to it? Maybe you should realize that not everyone is as perfect as you and a teeny tiny bit of compassion and understanding is not out of order here. And things will be easier if you quit trying to fit everyone into your stereotypes. Occasionally, black people don't like fried chicken, Hispanics aren't lazy drug dealers, an Asian kid may not be an overachiever. Get a grip and wake up. You might like it here. "
jasmine2579 wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:22 PM:
" I just wanted to say that my mother and nieces live at the apartments. They are staying with me at the moment. My mom owns the dog that bit the fireman and she is up to date with her shots and my mom paid a pet deposit. My mom also apogized to the fireman and he said he understands and it comes with the job sometimes. Also a lot of the residence there are not on any goverment assistance. You people need to get your info correct before posting your comments. The fire was started by the lady who left the oven on. We know this because it statrted in that apartment and spread to the neighbor who has the 10 month old baby that now has nothing for him. So before anymore rude or hutful comments are left by those of you who don't know what your talking about, check your info before posting. "
jasmine2579 wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:28 PM:
" My mother nad i would like to thank all of you that are posting comments of support. My mom really appreciates it. I just wish that everyone who lived in the apartments had somewhere to go like my mom and nieces do. "
Gramma cc wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:38 PM:
" To: "anotherlameopinion", and to everyone else making an effort to stand up for the Families effected by this fire...Thank You, we need more comments like yours... "
Ms. Z wrote on Jun 14, 2008 3:49 PM:
" To Gramma cc
Soak overnight in vinegar water (I added whole bottle to regular laundry load), rinse then run thru normal wash and that should remove smoke smell. Heavy items like blue jeans we had to do twice. Good luck! "
Soak overnight in vinegar water (I added whole bottle to regular laundry load), rinse then run thru normal wash and that should remove smoke smell. Heavy items like blue jeans we had to do twice. Good luck! "
Gramma cc wrote on Jun 14, 2008 3:56 PM:
" To: Ms.Z....Thank You for the advice, it is very appreciated. "
JMKelso wrote on Jun 14, 2008 5:16 PM:
" GRAMMA CC:
I have a bunch of 18 month old stuff (very clean and cute), where is the best place to take it so it gets to the right people (Apt. 5). Just the red cross or...? "
I have a bunch of 18 month old stuff (very clean and cute), where is the best place to take it so it gets to the right people (Apt. 5). Just the red cross or...? "
Plato wrote on Jun 14, 2008 6:11 PM:
" There is a product "Resolve Fabric Refresher" That will eliminate oders such as smoke on virtually all types of fabrics. This product is available in the household cleaners department of most stores. "
Im_not_saying wrote on Jun 14, 2008 6:15 PM:
" Yes this was a tragedy and avoidable or not a big appreciation should go out to the firefighters who stopped this fire in its tracks. They did an excellent job and at least 3/4 of the people at least have something rather than nothing. Way to go Cowlitz 2 and Longview for making the stop and to the other agencies for helping out. "
Just my opinion wrote on Jun 14, 2008 7:28 PM:
" I have 2T girls clothing, and 12 month and younger boys clothing. I would be happy to get some bagged up for these kids. I cannot imagine not having stuff for my children. How can I get this to the kids? Would the Daily News be willing to accept this? Or the Red Cross? "
problemsolver wrote on Jun 14, 2008 7:53 PM:
" Has no one ever left an oven on for a few minutes to check the mailbox, call the kids in, or talk to a neighbor. Good grief, my Grandma used to leave our dinner cooking in the oven while we were gone to church for two hours every Sunday morning. Obviously it's risky and a story like this makes a person think twice but don't be so quick to judge the splinter in someone else's eye but for the log in your own! Prayers and best wishes for those who have lost so much, and a special prayer for the one who is bearing the burden of blame and judgement. Can we try a little forgiveness instead? "
Gramma cc wrote on Jun 14, 2008 8:27 PM:
" To: jmkelso....thank you soooo much, people like you are angels, you can call this number and the lady (Jackie) will make sure that the clothes get to the right people...Just know that you are very appreciated.... Gramma cc "
Gramma cc wrote on Jun 14, 2008 8:28 PM:
" OOOOPS!!!!! so sorry jmkelso, I left out the phone # 360-355-6572....sorry about that... "
Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 14, 2008 8:52 PM:
" I never implied that everyone who lives there is on the government dole. I said I'll be a lot of these people get some form of asistance. Whether it be food stamps, subsidized child care or housing, assistance with electric bills or unemployment compensation. Whatever it is doesn't matter. The point I am making is that people need to give back to the community, not vice versa...And a huge pat on the back for C2F&R for putting a stop to the fire before it caused more damage....I am glad I supported their latest levy. I know my tax money is being well spent. I wonder how many of the now homeless also voted "yes"? "
~babygurl~ wrote on Jun 14, 2008 11:08 PM:
" hey to all thoes that think they know what when on not every pearson in thoes apartments were on the help of the goverment my best friend lives in apt#14 and his mom and dad arnt and neather is he just becuase you think that you know every thing about people and how they feel would you like that to be you no home and not knowing what to do becuase every thing in your life jsut crushed my friend megans house was apt6 and every thing that her and her dad had is gone she is also pregnat and not on help at all you rude people will never know how bad it hurts to know that your friends and there family have no where to live that is sad and if you cant be nice enuff to help and try to make it easier for them to get through this then you were a waste of sperm and egg "
~babygurl~ wrote on Jun 14, 2008 11:10 PM:
" To just my oppinon there is also a young boy and a 14 year old girl im not sure what size the boy wears but the girl is a 3-5 in pants and she is pregonat so a little bigger and small to medium shirts "
Gramma cc wrote on Jun 14, 2008 11:28 PM:
" To: just my opinion, you can call this number 1-360-355-6572...the ladies name is Jackie, she lived in apt #18 at the Barton House apts , she would be very good at getting the clothes to all the right families according to sizes...thank you so much for your willingness to help.... "
rosy wrote on Jun 15, 2008 11:53 AM:
" GIRTH VON PHISTER: You certainly use the word "dole" liberally. You include every program. These programs will continue as long as the minimum wage doesn't provide a one income living wage for a family of four. And before the hailstorm starts, think. It's been done before. And how many kids are going to be inclined to work when they're grown when they see parents who have 2 or 3 jobs and they live in a bleak rundown hole with no healthcare and still getting food boxes to keep utilities on? Don't we need this more than cheap pizza? "
Carrienwa wrote on Jun 15, 2008 12:12 PM:
" All I have to say is wow! Thank god that nobody lost their life, unlike the granddaughter I just lost. I really don't understand why people start pointing fingers and running the other parties down. Does it make you feel better? It is really a sick world and I'm so sick to my stomach that others don't think about the lives that have been saved during this tragic fire. Sometimes accidents do happen, in this case it was an accident, so time to stop blaming people and be thankful that all these peoples lives were spared!!!! "
Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:42 PM:
" Rosy... I understand what you are saying, but you need to know that the minimum wage was never intended to be a living wage. And if you have no skills or no education, why in the world would a person have ANY children?? I'll tell you why. Because no matter how irresponsible a person wil be, we will always have Uncle Sam to bail them out. Welfare, food stamps, subsidized chld care. Like it or not, there is a huge population in Cowlitz County of welfare, section 8 Housing and the like. And please don't start spewing about these people being down on their luck. A lot of them are born into this lifestyle and they will just follow their parent's example... NO CONSEQUENCES= NO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY..... "
jasmine2579 wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:05 PM:
" girth vonphister... I and my 2 sisters were born to a single mother who was on government assistance. We are now all adults and none of use are on any assistance. So not everyone grows up to be like their parents. Yes there are a lot of people on public assistance, but did you ever consider that they are educated and skilled but just can't find work or don't get enough work to make a living from? Just because someone is on assistance does not mean that they shouldn't have children. That doesn't make them irresponsible. The way you talk it sounds like you are not on any assistance. So i hope you never have to go through what these tenants went through. In my opinion since you obviously don't need assistance you shouldn't get any if something horrible should ever happen to you or your possesions. These people probably do give back to the community in other ways such as donating stuff to the goodwill or
volunteering their time and services for stuff. So learn to think before speaking. "
volunteering their time and services for stuff. So learn to think before speaking. "
tara317 wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:11 PM:
" Whether people are on assistance or not, they deserve to be helped. It should not matter how much you make to determine whether or not you get help after a tradgedy. Loss is loss. Government money could be spent on much worse things than helping people who need help after a fire!
For your information, Girth, my friend who was affected by the fire is a first generation college student who is going back to school to try to make her life better. She also works AND volunteers. Their family's income is not enough to get by on, so she is doing something about it! "
For your information, Girth, my friend who was affected by the fire is a first generation college student who is going back to school to try to make her life better. She also works AND volunteers. Their family's income is not enough to get by on, so she is doing something about it! "
teri1987 wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:27 PM:
" First of all i wanted to say that i am one of the people who lives in that apartment building and thank you to everyone who is posting nice comments. Second i am not on any type of goverment assistance and i work to pay my bills so get your facts straight before you start saying crap. Third it was our dog that bit the firemen and it was because she was spooked and my mom apoligized to him and he said he understood and that it comes with his job. She is caught up on all of her shots and we payed a pet deposit so quit assuming. "
writegirl wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:07 AM:
" These comments have gotten away from the real issue here. Regardless of who is on assistance or not, losing your home to fire is tragic, period. Doesn't matter who started it or how. Why are people so negative?? One more reason to be ashamed of this community. To those who lost their homes and belongings, I am so sorry you have to go through this, and I am even sorrier that some of the jerks here are being so unsupportive and RUDE. Hang in there and I am so glad no one was hurt! "
viper wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:54 AM:
" Sure is a friendly town is'n it . and just think these a__holes are your neighbors
and leading citizens of the community can't wait for there turn in the barrel!
sad story! Viper! "
and leading citizens of the community can't wait for there turn in the barrel!
sad story! Viper! "
Im_not_saying wrote on Jun 19, 2008 4:58 PM:
" Everyone should be very careful in cleaning smoke damaged items. Leave them outside for at least 48-72 hours, with direct sunlight. rinse them outside, far away from storm drains or wells. Then bring them inside to wash. If you can find a laundromat with an extractor - that is even better. The problem is not just the smell. There are thousands of chemicals and poisons in smoke from buildings and a good portion of those cause cancer, birth defects, and other diseases. It is best to just throw them all away but I know that most if not all of the families involved cannot afford to do so, regardless of being on assistance or not. Just because they are on assistance does not make them less of a person. Everyone putting anyone down for such had better watch out - the way our economy is going we'll all need assistance in one way or another. I probably have items that could be used to help these families and will be looking for some over the next week to take to them. I hope that if I am ever in the same situation someone can do the same for me. "
kitten wrote on Jun 19, 2008 6:43 PM:
" Girth,
I have very little patience for people on the "public dole" but even if these people were, and it sounds as if many were not, there is a time and a place for everything and you were out of line! This is a hardship, save your words for hardcases. "
I have very little patience for people on the "public dole" but even if these people were, and it sounds as if many were not, there is a time and a place for everything and you were out of line! This is a hardship, save your words for hardcases. "
JMKelso wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:16 AM:
" Whether or not someone receives public assistance has nothing to do with anything about this story!
I'm sorry to you, fire victims. If there is anything else I can do to help, contact me.
I also apologize on behalf of the ignorant people of this town, that would attack you during this horrific time. "
I'm sorry to you, fire victims. If there is anything else I can do to help, contact me.
I also apologize on behalf of the ignorant people of this town, that would attack you during this horrific time. "
Stella wrote on Jun 20, 2008 12:33 PM:
" Girth: I hope you don't ever find yourself in need because you would be standing in line with people you dislike, down on their luck and getting greif from folks like you. Not everyone has the money to go to college to get an education and skills. "
Stella wrote on Jun 20, 2008 12:36 PM:
" To Tara317: our government "is" spending money on much worse things than helping our citizens, it's called a war. We have to spend lots of money distroying innocent peoples' homes and cities so there isn't enough to help our own. "
DestinyN wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:32 AM:
" To 'blanche62,' 'aremyflawsshowing,' and 'GirthVonPhister,' I have six words for you: God forbid you EVER need help. Your malevolent attitudes toward the tenants of this apartment have ultimately reassured my shame for growing up in Longview. I'm only grateful I didn't wind up like you. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone whose lives have been affected by this fire. I hardly believe that letting an oven preheat while walking a dog would cause such a horrible occurance; I'm leaning toward electrical failure. It wouldn't have made a difference if the family had left or not. Chances are, that oven would have caused the fire anyway. Stop placing blame. Even if families are on government assistance, it's because they need it; not because they're freeloaders. All of you grumblers should be ashamed of yourselves. The community DOES need to give back to these people in need. If not to victims of tragedy, where should our assistance go? Please have some compassion for your fellow men and women. And God forbid the likes of 'blanche62,' 'aremyflawsshowing,' and 'GirthVonPhister' should EVER need ANY help whatsoever. Should your houses ever burn down, I'd love to see you ignored. Only then will you be able to comprehend the adversity that these families are being forced to endure. "
jaredz wrote on Jun 25, 2008 12:57 PM:
" Wow! I'm appalled to say I live here. I have lost my father in a house fire. I wouldn't wish that type of pain on anyone ever! Thank the good Lord above that not one single person was hurt in this tragedy. I have soooo much items, clothing, toys, household items, etc... that I can donate to these people. Someone please tell me where to drop them off. If you have never lost anything or anyone in a tragedy such as this, then you do not fully understand the feelings of desperation it causes. Those of you dishing out such NEGATIVE points of view should be ashamed of yourselves. Your mothers are probably ashamed that you are their children for acting in such a infantile way. These people lost everything. They need help, and if we want change in the Longview/Kelso area, we have got to be willing to make the first step! I'm going to try and help because it's the right thing to do. Don't you agree? "
Teri1987 wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:23 PM:
" jaredz, i am one of the people that lived at the apartments. If you would like to give my mom or me a call about getting those items to the tennents you can call me at 360-355-6571 or my mom at 360-355-6572 her name is jackie and mine is teri. thank you so much for your support and we will get those to the tennents. "
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