‘The entire town is gone’; Malden devastated by wildfires, most homes destroyed

September 7, 2020 3:21 PM

Connor Sarles

Posted: September 7, 2020 3:21 PM

Updated: September 8, 2020 1:52 PM

by Connor Sarles

MALDEN, Wash. — Deputies tell 4 News Now that 70-80 percent of the homes in Malden have been destroyed by a fire sweeping through the area.

Level 3 Evacuations were issued for residents in the area, but within hours, most of the town had burned to the ground, with powerful winds pushing the flames and smoke southwest.

Whitman County Sheriff estimated 70-80% of homes in Malden are destroyed, burned down to the foundation. Cars and properties are still smoldering. #4newsnow pic.twitter.com/92rzdh4CWa

— Kyle Simchuk (@KyleKXLY) September 8, 2020

Resident Larry Frick lives in Malden, and has one of the last homes still standing. It took him nearly three hours to save his house amid the flames.

“It’s gone brother,” he texted his brother after the fire swept through. “The entire town is gone. Everything from here to Pine City is gone. The scariest time of my life.”