Crystal Mountain & Greenwater Fires

As many of you are aware, the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort was threatened by a wildfire on Monday, September 4th.  The Norse Peak Fire started on August 11th by lightning and has been burning in the Norse Peak Wilderness area.  It wasn’t until the wind changed direction that the fire became a concern to Crystal Mountain and the White River Valley.  The fire jumped over the ridge Monday night and the evacuation status went from a level 1 to a level 3 within minutes.  Guests and employees of the resort were safely evacuated and volunteers from the Crystal Mountain and Greenwater Fire Departments sprung into action to defend structures around the area.  For the first 48 hours these volunteers worked around the clock with very little assistance from other agencies.  As you can imagine with all of the fires taking place in the Northwest, personnel and resources are spread thin. When the fire came close to the road, they had to retreat. They returned at the first opportunity they had to continue protecting the area.  Fires continue to burn in the Bullion Basin area at Crystal and above the cabins in Silver Springs, Alta Crystal Resort and the Dalles.  Another fire called the Sawmill Creek Fire is also burning north of Greenwater. 

This has been a very stressful, terrifying and difficult time for the Crystal Mountain and Greenwater community.  Volunteers from the local fire departments have worked tirelessly and we’d like your helping giving back.  Your donation will go towards supplies, training and other critical resources.  For those who live in the community, another way to help is by becoming a volunteer.  It’s times like these when you realize how big a difference each and every volunteer makes in these efforts, whether it’s fighting fires or responding to other emergencies.  The fires continue to burn and it will take weeks if not months of ongoing efforts to fight and monitor them.  We are very appreciative of all the water, snacks, baked good and meals that have been donated over the past few days.  We’ve actually run out of storage so for now we’re asking that you redirect your generosity towards monetary contributions to assist the Greenwater and Crystal Mountain Firefighters Association.  On behalf of the Fire Chief, Paul Sowers, we thank you.  This will not only help aid in efforts now but will also make both associations stronger in the futher.  

The Firefighters Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible. 

If you're wondering who I am, I grew up in Greenwater and have been working at Crystal Mountain since 2001.  This hits close to home personally and professionally.  Our community and the beautiful mountains we live, work and play in are very important me. Thank you for your support!