Stokoe updates the 5 fires that hit Boardman Friday
By Terry Murry on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
BOARDMAN – Police Chief Rick Stokoe says that what was originally reported as a single fire in a residential neighborhood in Boardman Friday was actually five fires. He said one of them was confirmed to be caused by a lawnmower. Law enforcement believes the other four are possible acts of arson.
In addition to three fires in the residential area, two fires started closer to Interstate 84. Witnesses saw a single individual run from one of the fires, jump into a gray pickup truck, and drive away.
Five homes were destroyed by the blaze. Stokoe says four of those burned to the ground. The fifth home was a two-story structure and firefighters had to knock what was left of it down to get the fire stopped. One of the buildings destroyed was a former church that was, until yesterday, a food pantry.
The chief said that five pets that he knew of were lost in the fire. Some first responders were overcome by smoke and had to be treated.
“Most of them went straight back to work,” Stokoe said.
The police chief was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from throughout the region. He said the response from their fellow law enforcement and firefighting departments was amazing.
Stokoe added that he knows a fundraising effort for the victims of the fire is underway but not yet finalized. As soon as it is established at a local bank, it will be publicized here. Meanwhile, donated goods will be accepted at The King’s Garden Church, 200 Willow Fork Drive Southwest. The police chief advises against establishing accounts with GoFundMe which charges for its services and can be scams.
MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO DONATE:
The front doors are open at the King’s Garden Church and a donation table is setup right inside. If you need a pickup or have any questions call Pastor Rick at 928-978-6293 or Shara Weiss at 971-804-3398.
Boardman Senior Citizens, Inc. has set up a donation account with Banner Banks with additional name of Boardman Fire Relief Fund, last four of account is 2252. If anyone wants to donate they can go into any local branch to deposit, send in by mail to their local branch, or drop off deposit in their local branches night depository box. Account is active and will be added to Banner Banks internal donation account list tied to the Boardman Branch.
The Boardman Food Pantry is reopening at a temporary location in the STAR Center owned by Community Counseling Solutions, with full service resuming Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. To support their mission donations can be made to their account at Bank of Eastern Oregon, or mailed to P.O. Box 522 Boardman, OR 97818.
The Boardman Chamber of Commerce says if you would like to contribute to a specific need to contact them directly as they’re working closely with local partners.
Photo by Steve Hiigel
