SPOKANE, Wash. — For two decades, Tim Archer was the firefighter/EMT helping families through some of the worst moments of their lives. Now retired, Archer is experiencing that loss from the other side.
The Old Trails Fire destroyed the home where Archer and his wife, Francie, had built their life, KREM reported. The couple escaped with a few belongings and their dogs, hoping they would have something to return to.
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“I spent 20 years as a firefighter, so it kind of looked like what I expected it to look like ... but I guess I was surprised it was my house,” Archer told KREM.
When the couple returned to the property, the chimney was the only part of the home still standing.
Still, they found a few welcome surprises among the destruction. Their chickens had survived and a small cast-iron fire helmet was recovered from the rubble.
The helmet was tied to the career during which Archer helped others cope with similar losses.
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“For 20 years, I was on the other side of it ... telling people, ‘we’re sorry for your loss.’ Now ... I can actually commiserate with those folks,” Archer said.
The Archers said their community has supported them throughout the initial days of recovery. Francie encouraged people to continue checking on those affected after the immediate emergency has passed.
“Keep sending those texts and keep checking in on people ... people have good days and bad days,” she said.
The couple plans to rebuild on the property.
