WFSE Members Bravely Evacuate Residents Amidst Washington Wildfire

In the face of a rapidly advancing wildfire, workers from the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE/AFSCME Council 28) showcased extraordinary bravery, saving lives at two state hospitals in Washington.

On August 18, 2023, an electrical malfunction sparked the Gray Fire near Medical Lake, Washington. The blaze consumed over 10,000 acres within hours, driven by strong winds, and put hundreds of residents at risk in its vicinity. The swift response from workers at the facilities highlighted the commitment and resilience of AFSCME members.

The wildfire threatened more than 200 individuals residing in supported-care facilities at Medical Lake. Eastern State Hospital and Lakeland Village, accommodating over 500 residents with various disabilities and psychiatric needs, faced immediate danger. As the fire approached, evacuation became urgent.

“In the beginning, we didn’t know what was happening or which way the fire was moving,” stated Colette Buck, a member of WFSE Local 573. “The winds were so aggressive and unpredictable. I saw flames move at the speed of a car going down the freeway.”

Quick Decisions Prove Life-Saving

Witnessing a wall of fire, Lakeland Village’s Rachele Ragsdill, alongside other staff, initiated a self-evacuation, moving residents to the gymnasium for bus pickup to Eastern State Hospital. However, the increasing wind posed a new threat, pushing the fire closer.

The available buses were insufficient for all residents, especially those requiring mobility aids. As burning forests surrounded the roads, staff had to act swiftly. They began escorting residents uphill through dense smoke to reach safety.

“It got right up on us and we started running people up the hill,” described Pam Davis, president of Local 573. “Bus drivers were driving through falling, flaming trees. One of the bus drivers had to kick over a tree that had fallen on the road and was still burning.”

Dedication Amidst Devastation

Workers remained steadfast for extended hours, ensuring resident safety as Medical Lake endured the blaze. Despite personal losses, with some receiving calls that their homes had been destroyed, the staff continued their efforts.

“It broke my heart, but it was humbling that staff refused to leave,” remarked Josh Bartholomew, a former residential services coordinator at Lakeland Village. “One staff member said she would do it all again to protect the residents. The success here is all because of the staff.”

Remarkably, all residents were evacuated without fatalities. Once firefighters deemed the area safe, residents returned to Lakeland Village, where buildings were covered in ash, yet intact thanks to the firefighters' efforts.

“Even when they cleared the roads, most of us stuck around to help get the residents back and settled,” recalled Michele Mitchell, an adult training specialist at Lakeland Village.

Rebuilding and Support

With the immediate danger mitigated, attention shifted to rebuilding. Several workers lost their homes, prompting the WFSE executive board to donate $200,000 to the Foundation for Working Families, providing disaster relief to affected members. Additional support came from AFSCME International’s Fallen Heroes Fund.

WFSE coordinated with the Red Cross to distribute essential supplies and provide temporary housing for displaced workers. The community of Medical Lake, marked by signs of resilience, continues to recover from the fire's impact.

“I can’t think of any place I’d rather work,” expressed Ragsdill. “And I hope we never go through another trauma like this, but if we do, this is the group of people I would want to face that with.”