Pawnee County woman trying to rebuild one month after wildfire: ‘I don’t see me ever getting over it’

People are still trying to recover from last month's wildfires that destroyed hundreds of homes.

A Pawnee County woman says she's trying to figure out how to rebuild after losing almost everything but the clothes she was wearing.

She doesn’t have insurance and says each day is filled with uncertainty.

Previous Story: Pawnee County woman wonders what to do next after wildfire destroys home

There are new signs of life popping up in the ground that was just charred by wildfires. While the grass grows quickly, it’s a much slower rebuild for Tara Upton.

“In a way, it feels like it was just yesterday. In other ways, it’s like it’s been a million years,” she said.

Upton’s home of 30 years, tucked away in the quiet Pawnee County woods, was destroyed in what seemed like seconds. She lost much more, including cars and keepsakes.

“I don’t see me ever getting over it,” said Upton. “I don’t see me really moving on.”

She can stay on her property again after she was gifted a travel trailer, but there’s no running water, and the power only comes from a generator. Those are small prices to pay to be back on her land.

“I didn’t think I mattered that much to people, and I’m finding out that I do. That’s a big thing.”

Upton still sifts through what’s left of her home that burned down. She’s making piles of the things she can keep and is waiting to learn if she’ll get help with a permanent rebuild. 

“I need to have a place to cook Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner again, have a place for my grandkids,” Upton said.

It’s hard not knowing what each day will bring, but she’s trying to hold onto hope the best she can.

“Then I think of tornadoes, and I think of the storms coming and I’m in a travel trailer, so I just have to believe that God’s going to keep me safe,” she said.

Upton says she hasn’t heard back from FEMA or the Red Cross on what happens next.

The Red Cross said it did provide Upton with financial assistance, resource referrals, and health services after the fire.

She says power can be restored to her property once she gets all of the debris cleaned up, but she says it’s a huge project.

Upton says she is getting some help with food and clothing from organizations in Mannford.