West Seattle Farmers’ Market vendor suffers Taylor Bridge Fire loss

(Photo by Mike Siegel/The Seattle Times – republished with permission)
This Sunday, when you see River Farm Organic Produce at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, you might consider buying something extra – we’ve just learned that their family has lost a home in the big Taylor Bridge Fire in Central Washington. An anonymous family friend e-mailed to let us know about this, and to say that River Farm does plan to be at the WSFM this Sunday. We have since confirmed this with market management, which explained that the family farm itself was spared, as was the home of the farm family’s patriarch, but the fire destroyed the home of his daughter and her husband. In addition to supporting them directly, we’re told they also will benefit from the Neighborhood Farmers’ Market Alliance “Good Farmer Fund,” which helps with emergency relief for vendors hit by crises like this. (You can donate to that fund online here.)

roger August 17, 2012 (6:06 pm)

Why is a PBY Aircraft sitting in Arlington ready to go and no one is using it to fight the fires. This aircraft has been amazing in battling fires . Unbelievable. It is time to stop the politics and get it done. Washington state has used it many times over the years.

Delridge Mom August 17, 2012 (8:29 pm)

I just drove through that area yesterday and again today and the pictures do not do justice to the extent of the fire. It is huge and highly visible from the freeway for miles. My condolences to this family and the many others who have lost so much in this terrible fire.

Mike August 18, 2012 (4:26 pm)

roger, it’s possible it’s not prepared for fighting a fire right now. Last thing you want is a plane going down in a ball of fire over there.
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These fires are not easy to fight, it’s a mix of many conditions and resources available to fight it that make a difference. If mother nature decides to blow wind, heat up and make the fire jump (forest fires jump entire valleys), then that’s what happens. The people fighting this are some of the best in world at what they do. It’s sad to see and I hope to see it end soon. Sorry to hear a local merchant at the Sunday market was impacted, good on ya WSB for making sure people give them an extra visit to buy some produce and donate to the Good Farmer Fund. I called Wenatchee Costco the other day and they’ll also take over the phone donations with an AMEX or cash card to help locals impacted by this fire.