San Carlos Apache Tribe resident sees destroyed home after wildfire ripped through community
GILA COUNTY, AZ (AZFamily) — Sheila Patten drove to her property in the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation on Tuesday evening. It was the first time she’s seen what’s left of her home since the Watch Fire burned it down last week.
Sheila said the roads were blocked, and she didn’t have a chance to take anything with her.
“We just all stood up there in the road and watched it burn to ashes,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s too many memories. Even the kids’ pictures, our pictures (burned). It was my mom’s and dad’s home.”
Sheila’s parents passed down the home where she lived for nearly 60 years to her. Now, it’s been reduced to rubble.
“I just can’t sleep at night. I just see the fire, the smoke every time I close my eyes,” said Sheila.
Sheila said she lost a pet cat in the fire, and her dogs that were hurt are in shelters and with neighbors.
Not only did she lose her home, but three of her vehicles were destroyed.
Arson is suspected as the cause of the fire that ripped through more than 2,000 acres and tore down more than a dozen homes, including some of Sheila’s neighbors. Hundreds of people had to evacuate.
“It’s heartbreaking for everybody, especially for the people that lost their houses out there,” she said.
Like her, families lost their houses, cars, clothes, food and other possessions. They are now staying at evacuation shelters and hotels, relying on donations to survive.
Sheila is hoping she will one day rebuild.
“It’s going to take time, and people’s prayers. I know a lot of people are praying. And I’m trying to pray myself too,” she said.
Sheila, her four children, her sister and her son’s girlfriend lived in the same house. They are now staying at the Apache Gold Casino & Resort, a designated evacuation center.
“We’re all together. That’s the one thing that counts, you know. My family, all seven of us. At least we’re together,” said Sheila.
A fundraiser was set up to help Sheila and her family. If you would like to donate, click here.
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