Oroville Grange Hall

In mid-August 2019, a devastating wildfire tore through the steep pine and scrub landscape of Palmer Mountain southwest of Oroville, destroying twelve residences. The Grange responded along with Okanogan County Habitat for Humanity, Okanogan Highlands Fire Watch, Stone Seekers Society, and the Okanogan County Long Term Recovery Group by scheduling a series of Sunday meetings with fire survivors to share ideas, a good meal, and make plans for rebuilding after the disaster.

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The individuals and families affected by the fire were people of very low incomes. The homes destroyed in the Palmer Mountain Fire were unpermitted. Most lacked water or septic systems. No one rebuilding on Palmer Mountain that fall could afford permits so the structures would need to be small, under the 200 square foot minimum requiring permits. Eight landowners opted in for the construction of 12 x 16’ (196 sq. ft.) cabins with 10’ walls and a sleeping loft.

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Grange members, volunteers, and the Palmer Mountain Fire survivors worked together over the next four weeks to build the eight wood frame foundations from 4 x 12” beams purchased at our local Zosel Mill. Once bolted together these foundation frames were disassembled and hauled up the mountain to be reassembled on site. The Grange continued as a preparation site through November. All the rafters were cut there and three units of 2 x 6” needed for wall framing and rafters were delivered to the Grange for staging up on the mountain.

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Working with community volunteers, Habitat for Humanity, and the survivors of the Palmer Mountain Fire, we completed eight cabins with insulation, doors, windows, and metal roofs by the end of January 2020.