Videos: What’s Next for Farmers Affected by Western Wildfires?

Last week, we reported on the very real impact of giant wildfires scorching parts of the Pacific Northwest. Local farmers continue to deal amid the remaining flames and smoke. I highlighted a social media video post from Kaitlyn Thornton, aka, “The Apple Girl.” Her family’s apple-growing operation in Washington State had just endured an onslaught from the Sinlahekin Fire. Her perspective on the disaster was powerful.

In cases like this and others involving natural disasters, the road to recovery can be a long one for ag producers. For those in the same situation as Thornton and her family, the question becomes what’s next? That is a good question. Once again, Thornton has taken to social media to provide updates on the wildfire aftermath and address what’s ahead for her farm and other operations there.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Thornton writes: “So proud of how my community came together to fight these fires well over 100,000 acres. Now they are coming together to find solutions and how to come back from this devastation.”

Check out the full post below from Kaitlyn Thornton.

In a subsequent social media post, Thornton shared the following on her Facebook page: “Nature is pretty cool. And a SINCERE thank you to all of your kind thoughts, wishes, prayers & care around this fire. Several have asked about how they can help, bless your hearts. I am trying to find links to support my community, but your time and attention is extremely valuable too. Taking the time to understand the ramifications of wildfires in rural farming towns is so so appreciated 💛”

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