Wills family loses farm in Wasco County Fire

Dear Family & Friends,

On Wednesday, Aug 3rd, a fire broke out in Wasco County just South of Ben & Tess’s 80 acres. The fire quickly spread burning through 75 acres. As per the Fire Dept., it was a good thing they were not home at the time because they wouldn’t have been able to get out.

Besides getting the fire under control, the Fire Dept was able to rescue 2 of their dogs but Ben’s Therapy Dog Toby, refused to leave, staying to protect their home. They found him laying at the gate, badly burned. He was taken to a Vet in The Dallas, where he stayed for 3 days being treated for his burns. Toby is very loyal to his family.

The fire burned up all their trees, including the fruit trees Ben had planted last year. His truck was burned & tires melted. Their water tank melted & generator destroyed. An outbuilding & contents burned down. Also a working van had damage but is still use to pull a flat bed trailer to go & get more water. The food in the refrigerator/freezer spoiled.

They had just had their well dug but the pump hasn’t been installed yet so all water has to be manually hauled in. The Fire Dept has been back out every day putting out more fires because the roots of the trees are still burning under ground & flames shoot up without warning.

There was also a horse corral built by the previous owners out of stacks of old tires. It is still burning & will for some time.

It was Ben & Tess’s dream to live out in the country, off the grid, becoming self-sufficient, raising their own food & chickens. The trailer they have been living in was spared but that’s about it.

Can you help them restore & rebuild, along with paying for their dear Toby’s veterinarian bills.

Our goal is to raise around $20,000. All donations would be greatly appreciated.

Most Sincerely,

Daniell Wills-Johansen