BOISE, Idaho — The Gwen Fire started July 24 by lightning near Lapwai – causing significant damage, especially for Colter's Creek Vineyard and Winery – who lost their winery. Their vineyard was mostly protected.
Melissa Sanborn and her husband bought the vineyard and opened Colter’s Creek in 2007. Now, they are starting from square one.
“The vineyards intact, but it did destroy our main irrigation lines and our power supply," Sanbord said. "We aren't able to manage it right now.”
Sanborn also said they do not have anywhere to produce the wine as the winery burned down. Fortunately, Sanborn's home was OK.
“Even though the fires burned down to the house, we think the vineyard buffered the fire so that it protected the house," Sanborn said. "So, our house didn't burn, which was amazing. Really amazing."
Chelsea Blewett lives in Lewiston and didn’t lose her home, but is now starting to help her community. Blewett said she set up a donation center and is collecting things like food, water and clothing to give to people who lost their homes.
“Everybody that I've talked to that's lost everything, it hasn't sunk in, they don't know what they need,” Blewett said. “They are just kind of in shock.”
Blewett said said there’s a long road ahead for recovery for people who lost homes, livestock and their livelihoods, but she said the town of Lewiston will continue to help each other and move forward together.
“Our valley is just so good about rallying around people who are in need and people came out to fight,” Blewett said.