'Another 5 years to go:' Glide continues its recovery from 2020’s Archie Creek Fire

The Archie Creek Fire was first reported on Sept. 8, 2020. Within 24 hours, it had spread to over 100,000 acres, and was approaching the community of Glide.

The fire eventually destroyed 109 homes and 143 outbuildings as it spread in the coming days. Many of which were in Glide, a small community that the U.S. Census Bureau estimates has around 1,500 residents.

“A lot of the people who came to Glide wanted away from people, so many of the properties are outside of what you would consider the town proper,” said Jean Beam, executive director of Glide Revitalization.

Before the fire, Glide Revitalization was focused on economic development and beautification of the area. Since the fire, it has managed nearly 300 cases for area residents, helping them rebuild the lives that were destroyed.