Help Save REO Rafting & Yoga Resort

Hi, my name is Sierra and I'm helping my parents raise funds to rebuild REO Rafting & Yoga Resort. Below I share some details on the fire, our situation, and our story about REO.

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Update September 17th:

Today marks 1 month since the fire hit REO and there is still no resolution for the valley. The fire is out of control and getting very close to many of our neighbours who live 1-3 kms south of the resort. You can also see fires smouldering less than 500m from the resort on the opposite side of the river.

As of September 17th, 2023 the fire is reported at 17,405.9 Hectares (43,011 acres) in size. The evacuation order was lowered to an alert so we have been able to access REO, but this could change as the fire is approaching the Nahatlatch Road.

The conditions at REO the last few days have been very tough with heavy smoke, ash, and burnt embers falling. The fire isn't expected to be under control until major rain events occur.

Update September 3rd:

As of September 3rd, 2023 the fire is still burning in the areas surrounding the resort. The fire is still not in control with a growing size of 16,961.6 Hectares (41,913 acres). The photo below shows the current areas of the valley that are still burning. As you can see, the resort isn't out of the fire's threat yet.

There is still very strict and limited access to the resort, so with the resources we have on the ground we are putting out any fires on our property, watering the grounds, and cleaning up any debris that we can.

On a positive note, for the time being we believe we are out of immediate threat and are hoping that there is resolution for the valley soon so we can all start to move forward.

Nahatlatch Valley Wildfire:

It's with heavy hearts that we announce that REO Rafting & Yoga Resort was hit hard by the forest fire that's currently taking over the Nahatlatch Valley. We’ve been a small family-owned and operated business for the last 40 years and have poured our hearts and souls into the Nahatlatch Valley. To say we are all heartbroken and devastated is an understatement.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of our business and the resort's location, we’ve been unable to attain insurance for forest fires over the last several years. As a result, we’re looking for your caring support to help hopefully rebuild REO so we can continue to provide memorable experiences in the years to come.

The Devastation:

Our Story:

By the time we realized the severity and the speed of the fire that was approaching, it was too late. Everyone at REO grabbed everything that they could and evacuated before the fire was at our doorstep.

REO is not just a resort - but a beautiful community that the Fogelman's created for all of their guests to experience and enjoy. This year marks the 40th year of operations and instead of celebrating, we're grieving for the loss of not only a large amount of the resort but also for the majority of the valley.

REO was a labour of love that first started in 1983 when Bryan Fogelman had a few rafts and a passion to share the stunning Nahatlatch River. Since then, it slowly but surely grew and developed into the picturesque resort that it was.

This valley is our home and it has always been our passion to preserve its natural beauty. Over the years, we have worked endlessly to protect the Nahatlatch; from our role in the creation of the Nahatlatch Provincial Park to the continued effort in preserving the natural wildlife, improving the facilities on our property, and bringing awareness to the land. It hurts us deeply to see all of that literally go up in flames.

The owners, Bryan and Karen, relied on REO for their entire livelihood and raised their three children while running this small business. Their daughter Sierra and son-in-law Matt also chose to make REO their full-time career with hopes to take over one day.

Bryan and a few other employees were able to briefly travel back to REO to fight the numerous fires that were smouldering around the property and collect any gear that wasn't lost. Unfortunately, the fire is still burning the surrounding areas very close by, causing limited access to the resort. All we can do is watch the fire's progression and hope that we can save what's left.

With no fire insurance, loss of future bookings, and the amount of devastation that has hit REO and the surrounding area, the Fogelmans are struggling to come to terms with what this means.

For all of those who have been to REO, and even those who may have seen it from afar, you'll agree when we say that there was something so special about it. We hope that one day in the near future it'll return to this state, but there is a long road ahead.

We will keep you updated as things progress and we have more information.

- Bryan, Karen, Sierra & Family ❤️‍

How You Can Help:

If you would like to help the Fogelman's, 100% of the donations will help with their efforts to save the resort, eventually clear the rubble and destruction, and hopefully start to rebuild their little oasis.

1. Share our recent posts on Instagram and Facebook to your story.

2. Reach out to your family and friends to ask if they can share it as well.