A dome house made of cement stands out in the hills of Omak, Washington, after surviving a raging firestorm that charred most of its surroundings.
In a KXLY report, the dome house is said to belong to a John Belles and it was built in 1999. It is purposely designed to battle against the wrath of nature. With the latest firestorm in the area, the dome house has proven that it can win against Mother Nature.
"The fire was at this draw right here," said Belles. "We didn't have time to do much of anything. The fire was like 30 yards or so to the north of me when I decided to go into the building," recounted Belles.
Belles stayed inside his house with confidence while their surroundings were being engulfed by 20-foot high roaring flames.
"I didn't know how it was going to work out but I figured I was safe inside the building, it was cool and well protected with the concrete and everything," Belles stated.
It took a minute or so before the fire completely passed the house. Belle went outside to see any damage to his property, but only saw some charred bush and molten pots.
"After the fire passed I came back outside and there was no damage what so ever," Belles said. "I was surprised that the PVC skin on the house didn't get scorched but apparently all that water kept if from heating up," he continued. Belle knows the danger in living in the valley that is why he initiated to build his home the way it is.
"It's a perfect example of the authorities being spread thin and being able to take care of everybody--you know you can't depend on that [and] you have to prepare," Belles stated. This report only proves that being prepared and not just relying on the authorities can save one's life.
