Editor,

Firefighters and the Island County Sheriff’s Office responded to a tragic fire that recently occurred on Bay Front Lane in the Dugualla Community and resulted in the tragic loss of one life.

I witnessed firsthand firefighters from the North Whidbey Fire District, Mount Erie Fire Department and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Fire Department valiantly trying to save both the home and person inside, and then, due to their tireless and brave efforts, they were able to save the adjoining homes which were damaged but spared.

It should be noted that the vast majority of firefighters responding to fire scenes and risking their lives in the process are unpaid volunteers.

What valuable members of our community they are, devoting their spare time to hours of training and actual responses.

I — we of the surrounding homes — owe a sincere, heartfelt thank-you to all who participated in this brave and untiring effort to preserve life and property.

Well done indeed.

Fred Stilwell

Oak Harbor