Wildfire tears through rural Ray County lake community, displacing dozens
Teams from the American Red Cross returned to the Sunshine Lake area of rural Ray County Friday, a day after a wildfire swept through, displacing dozens of residents, a spokesperson for the organization said.
At least three homes were destroyed in the afternoon blaze, and residents had to evacuate a dozen others, said Brie Monetti, communications director with the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri.
The initial report was that up to 60 people were displaced by the fire, Monetti said. The Red Cross worked with the Salvation Army in Richmond to provide assistance to people at the scene and to set up a shelter for Thursday night at The Blessing Building, 606 S. Camden Street, in Richmond.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain the fire, so the extent of the damage and the needs of those displaced were not fully known, Monetti said.
“Our hearts are with the families impacted by this wildfire, and we’re committed to surrounding them with support,” JoAnn Woody, executive director of the American Red Cross, Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri, said in a news release. “This devastating event is a stark reminder that wildfires can ignite anytime, anywhere. Make a plan. Practice it. Test your smoke alarms.”
Teams from the Red Cross returned Friday morning to get a better assessment of the damage and to reach out to those affected.
“Every family is different, but shelter is always the biggest concern that we look to address following disasters like this, making sure they have a place to stay overnight,” Monetti said.
Sometimes people prefer to stay with friends or family. The Red Cross also tries to meet immediate needs, making sure people have clothing, food, medical supplies and medications that might have been destroyed, Monetti said. The organization then looks to provide additional resources and financial assistance.
The Ray County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media around 4 p.m. Thursday that “all available deputies” with the department were responding to several structures on fire in the Sunshine Lake area.
The deputies, along with firefighters from several fire agencies, were working on a “large and ongoing multiple structure fire.”
The sheriff asked people to avoid the Sunshine Lake area for their own safety and to allow emergency workers room to operate.
In an update Friday morning, the Ray County Sheriff said residents of the lake community were being allowed to return to their homes.
“Fire crews remain on the scene addressing any remaining flare-ups and ensuring the area remains safe,” the sheriff’s office said in the post on Facebook. “If you are returning to the area, do not interfere with fire operations so they can continue their work safely.”
Monetti said the best way to help is for people to become American Red Cross volunteers to help in situations like Thursday’s wildfire and to join its disaster teams. Financial donations are also one of the best ways to help families affected by such fires and disasters.
Donations can be made by calling 1-800-Red Cross or going to the organization’s website.
Those needing food or clothing can also contact the Salvation Army in Richmond at 816-776-8190. People can also make financial donations to help those affected by the fire by donating directly to the organization. The Salvation Army is accepting cash, check or credit card donations.
People make the donations by calling the above number or visiting the Salvation Army, 104 East North Main Street in Richmond.
A GoFundMe fundraising page has also been created.
In the post, organizer Tim Rueckert said that many of those affected are disabled or retired and that the loss has been overwhelming, many without insurance.
“In a matter of hours, lives were upended, and the sense of safety and comfort that our community once had was taken away,” Ruckert said. “The families impacted are now facing the immediate challenge of finding shelter, food, and clothing, with little to no resources to fall back on.”
