MALDEN, Wash. - Almost three years ago, the town of Malden was ravaged by the Babb Road Fire. Almost 80% of the town–more than 60 homes–were destroyed.
Residents of the Whitman County town of Malden, which was destroyed in a wildfire more than two years ago, will receive nearly $2 million to build a new sewer system.
The town of Malden spent the last six months cleaning and rebuilding from a devastating fire that wiped out 80 percent of its buildings in early September.
One of the biggest concerns right now is assisting people into houses before next winter, said Malden Mayor Dan Harwood. Living in an RV all winter has taken its toll on some of the community members who have larger families.
“It’s a very serious problem because you live in an RV all winter, and that’s not much space,” he said. “If you’re by yourself, that’s one thing. But if you’ve got a couple of dogs and a couple of kids, those walls get pretty closed in quick.”
As President Joe Biden begins his first few days in office, one city in Washington eagerly awaits the financial assistance that has been sitting on former President Donald Trump’s desk since September.
During Labor Day weekend, the Babb Road Fire destroyed more than 80 percent of the city of Malden. Over 100 homes were destroyed, said Malden Mayor Dan Harwood. About 24 homes survived the fire, and most of the community buildings were burnt, including the fire station.
Since then, the town has remained strong and hopeful that the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant they were approved for would be signed by Trump, said Malden councilmember Scott Hokonson.
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Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, left, and Malden Mayor Dan Harwood get a closer look at the new fire engine given to the town of Malden in a presentation Thursday morning in Malden. The truck is a 2002 International H5S that can hold 620 gallons of water in its tank.
Pete Caster/Daily News
Pete Caster/Daily News