08/18/2026
We know everyone has heard of the tragic fires in the Spokane, WA area which began on August 1. This is only about 50 miles from Camp Sanders. Many of our Friends of Camp Sanders are from that area and our collective hearts hurt with them.
We know of one Camp Sanders family who lost their home in the arson-caused fires. They attend Spokane First Free Methodist Church, where they are one of three families who lost their homes. That family has been a Friend of Camp Sanders for generations, Mike & Debbie Kreuch. Here is their story of faith and hope.
Mike & Debbie lost their home in the Old Trails fire. They evacuated to First Church which had opened for evacuees, and then to their 5th wheel, being stored at a friend's home, with three days worth of clothes, their photos, their important documents, and the clothes & shoes they were wearing. They later learned of their loss after their granddaughter took a video of their neighborhood and home. The Kreuches had just paid off their mortgage three days before the fires.
They were immediately overwhelmed with love and caring. They were given food, money and their insurance company cut them a check for living expenses. First Church, State disaster relief and Red Cross funds also have been received to replace household items. Other generous friends and family have sent clothes, money, gift cards, and of course, the countless prayers on their behalf are treasured.
Debbie says, "We have more than some. It will be okay. God has provided! We have seen the hand of God move through this whole process."
They are working through the tedious process of canceling home services, taking care of mail and working with their insurance adjuster. They are inventorying everything they lost in the house. Fortunately, they had some current and some other fairly recent pictures that would be helpful in the process. There are permits to be had for asbestos and chemical cleanup, all out of pocket before being reimbursed by the insurance company.
Their plan is to move in to an apartment as soon as possible and will plan to rebuild. They have talked to a contractor. They could possibly be in their new home by next summer.
Just like the tragic loss of the camp dining hall to fire, God showed His hand with many miraculous stories of lives and properties saved in the Spokane fires. We give Him praise and glory! \0/
Fire Statistics:
65,000 people evacuated
900+ structures lost
10,898 structures SAVED
10,000+ acres burned
39,000 acres SAVED
And, gratefully, no lives were lost.
The Inland & Pacific Northwest is grateful for the first responders from all over the world who continue to battle to protect people and property as fires continue to rage in the west. As of this posting, the Spokane fires are contained but not fully extinguished. Godspeed.
