wfn.org | Episcopal News Service Brief

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2001-222

News Brief

Wyoming congregations tried by wildfires

     (ENS) A 4,470-acre wildfire near Jackson Hole, Wyoming brought Episcopalians 
to a new knowledge of the meaning of "trial by fire"--and of the power of prayer.

     "As we gathered for Sunday worship, many in the congregation, including the 
preacher, the Rev. Suzanne Harris, had been evacuated from their homes due to a 
fire that raged out of control through the forest around them," said the Rev. Ann 
Fontaine, associate interim rector of the Episcopal Church in Jackson Hole, in an 
email to ENS. "They did not know if the efforts of the hundreds of firefighters, 
slurry bombers, and helicopters carrying water would save their property that 
day."

     The fire was 75 percent contained by July 30, and fire officials expected it 
to be completely controlled within days. The blaze came within several feet of 
some homes, but none were destroyed. Some residents were allowed to return to 
their homes for the first time in six days. 

     "No one had to stay in the Red Cross shelter," Fontaine related. "Many took 
evacuees into their homes to care for them and help them through the terrible 
days and nights as we watched the fire leap from tree to tree. Others in the 
community volunteered time to cook and support the fire crews. Three young boys 
gave the money they had saved from summer jobs to the Red Cross to assist people 
rather than spend the money at the County Fair riding the rides they had been 
saving for."

     The fire started July 22, apparently when a campfire in a recreation area 
burned out of control.