Couple loses home, possessions and pets to Blue Creek Fire

July 29--When the Blue Creek Fire broke out on the early afternoon of July 20, Jean Hylton and her husband, Roy, were at work in Walla Walla.

The Hyltons were longtime residents whose home was on Klicker Mountain Road. The home, along with their pets and possessions, were destroyed that afternoon as the wildfire swept over the area.

Hylton said she was alerted to the fire by a phone call from her daughter.

How to help

A benefit fund has been established at Washington Federal bank in Walla Walla for Roy and Jean Hylton, who lost their home and outbuildings in the Blue Creek fire.

Donations can be made at the main office, 111 Main St., or at any branch under the Blue Creek Fire Fund for Roy and Jean Hylton.

"We rushed up there to try and get to our house," she said today, but the flames were moving too fast.

This was about 1:40 p.m., Hylton said, and "it was burning like crazy. We just watched (the land) go up in flames."

The two weren't allowed into the area until last weekend and when they did get in, they found nothing to salvage. Their five dogs and two cats had perished and the heat was so intense it melted metals.

"We had an aluminum boat and all that was left was a puddle of aluminum," Jean said.

Along with their two-story house, the couple lost a barn, several outbuildings and a camper. The residence was the only one lost to the fire, which has covered 6,004 acres as of today.

Hylton said the couple has insurance, but it won't cover all their losses and expenses. They literally lost almost everything except the clothes on their backs and the truck they were driving.

But it could have been worse, Jean said.

"We still have each other."

Andy Porter can be reached at andyporter@wwub.com or 526-8318.

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