SPOKANE, Wash. — When the Upriver Fire tore through northeast Spokane on Tuesday afternoon, June 16, extreme heat, dry conditions and strong winds caused it to move at an alarming rate.
The fast-moving wildfire has burned about 225 acres, destroyed at least 15 homes and forced the evacuation of about 1,500 residents. Within hours, their home was threatened and the family was forced to evacuate with little warning.
Among those affected were Mike and Jen Anglesey of the Beacon Hill Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Spokane Washington State Mount Spokane Stake. A fire swept through the neighborhood, leaving the family homeless. The Angleseys’ daughter, son-in-law, one-month-old baby and the Angleseys’ son Connor were also staying at the house at the time.
The family escaped safely, but they were only able to take a few belongings with them before leaving the house. Their home and nearly all their possessions were destroyed.
The loss came at a particularly painful time for the family. The day after the fire, Connor celebrated his 17th birthday with his family and was just grateful to be together.
The family is now beginning the difficult process of rebuilding their lives, staying with relatives in nearby Liberty Lake.
Despite the devastating loss, friends and church members say the Anglesea family showed remarkable faith.
Members of the Beacon Hill Ward and Mount Spokane Stake rallied to provide meals, clothing, household items, spiritual support and prayers. Leaders said the response was a powerful example of disciples helping each other in times of need.
The Anglesey family was among the many affected by the fire, which destroyed nearby homes and left many residents faced with the difficult task of rebuilding. Church members across the region quickly mobilized to assist those affected by the disaster.
The tragedy wasn’t just about the loss of homes. One resident was killed in the fire, highlighting the devastating impact the disaster has had on local communities. This loss weighs heavily on neighbors and first responders alike, who are growing grateful that so many others were able to evacuate safely.
Beacon Hill Borough Relief Society President Christina Harker reflected on the lessons many families learned during the fire emergency.
“My husband and I were both at work when the fire started,” Harker said. “My neighbors stepped in and got my children to safety. That’s when I realized that even if I lost my home, the only thing that really mattered was the safety of my children.”
She said the experience reminded her that possessions can be replaced, but family is forever.
“Efforts like this help us remember what matters most,” she said. “Our faith in Jesus Christ, our families, and our relationships with each other are our greatest sources of strength.”
For families on Anglesey, the evacuation began with little time to prepare.
“We received a Level 3 evacuation advisory and it took us about 10 to 15 minutes to gather a few overnight belongings and leave,” Jen Anglesey said. “About 20 minutes later, my husband checked the security cameras and realized the house was gone. One camera showed the balcony engulfed in flames, and another showed black smoke coming from the roof. We left the house just before the police came to the door and told us to leave. It all happened so quickly.”
Almost all of the family’s possessions were destroyed, but Anglesey said his thoughts quickly turned to what was most important.
“I told one of the firefighters who felt so bad for us that it was just a thing,” she said. “What I miss most are the irreplaceable memories: our wedding album, photos of our children, parenting books, and the special things they made for me when I was little.”
Still, she said her biggest emotion wasn’t about what was lost.
“But my thoughts weren’t really about that,” Anglesey said. “I am so grateful to have a family. I have not lost my family. My family is my most precious earthly possession.”
He added: “The most important thing is that we got out safely. I have my children and grandchildren and we are together.”
Mr Anglesey said the experience made him think about the purpose of trials and the power of maintaining faith.
“I kept thinking, ‘Why us?’ ‘Why this trial?'” she said. “I thought to myself, ‘My son just went on a mission to the Dallas East Mission in Texas. Why don’t missionary families get blessed?'”
She recalled a conversation she had with her brother-in-law right after the fire.
“He said to me, ‘Maybe this is a blessing, you just don’t realize it yet,'” she said. “That thought has stayed with me.”
Anglesea said she still doesn’t understand why her family faced such special challenges, but she felt the Lord’s love through the experience.
“I know that Heavenly Father loves me,” she said. “Even if we don’t understand it now, we know we are in this situation for a reason.”
Church members across the stake expressed gratitude that the lives of many displaced families were spared, and witnessed firsthand the power of a caring community. Many have been inspired by the faith and determination of the Anglesey family in the face of an uncertain future.
Local leaders say the tragedy has also strengthened unity among borough members who have worked together to respond to urgent needs.
In the days following the fire, prayers, service, and acts of kindness served as tangible reminders of the Savior’s love.
“Everyone was so kind and loving and gave so much to us,” Anglesey said. “The love we felt from our family, friends, neighbors, and people in our ward was a powerful reminder that our Heavenly Father is aware of us. Our belongings may soon be gone, but our faith, our family, and our relationship with our Savior will remain. Those are the things that matter most.”
Although the road ahead will be difficult, friends say the Anglesea family remains hopeful, trusting in the Lord and drawing strength from the promises of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As members of the Beacon Hill Ward continue to serve families, they remember the Savior’s invitation to “carry one another’s burdens, that you may be light” (Mosiah 18:8).
In the midst of loss, the Anglesey family’s experience is a testimony that faith in Jesus Christ and the love of a covenant community can provide hope, comfort, and strength during life’s most difficult trials.
— Jennifer Hicks is communications director for the Coordinating Council of Churches in Spokane, Washington.
