Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management has received calls regarding questions and concerns about the White Swan Fire. While we supported efforts at the fire, we would like to remind readers that it did not occur directly with in our jurisdiction. It happened with in the confines of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.
The Nation managed the incident. Our office and numerous valley First Responders supported the Yakama Nation, just like the Nation has and would support the cities of the valley in similar circumstance. The Yakama Nation as a sovereign entity, is in charge of this event. All questions regarding recovery efforts need to be directed toward the Tribe and the Yakima Nation Office of Emergency Management.
If people would like to show there support to the victims of the White Swan Fire we have a list of donation sites and support events.Several places are accepting donations of money, clothing and other useful items for families affected by Saturday’s fire. Officials say the greatest needs are for children’s clothing and diapers. Locations and fundraisers include:
--Toppenish Armory, 326 S. Division St. The armory also will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner today.
--White Swan Methodist Church.
--Winter House in White Swan.
--The Trading Post in White Swan.
--EZ bucks in Toppenish and Wapato.
--Top Stop in Toppenish.
--The Yakama Nation has set up a bank account at Bank of America called White Swan Fire Relief Fund.
--The Wapato High School boys and girls basketball teams will hold a spaghetti fundraiser dinner from 5:30-8 p.m. today in the Wapato High School cafeteria.
