It's been a year since the "630 fire" ripped through a portion of southeastern Polk County along County Road 630.

Eleven homes were destroyed as the fire ripped through the area, only giving residents 10 minutes to grab their things.

Richard Jones was one of those people. He said he and his wife lost $285,000 worth of items ranging from his mobile home, to his boats, to his tools.

"I mean the fire, it took everything I owned. Everything," Jones said. "It melted my aluminum boat and it was laying in puddles on the concrete. It was so hot."

He was lucky enough to have a neighbor allow him to stay there on their property for a year in another mobile home. But shortly after the fire, his health declined. He had a stroke and then a seizure, making it difficult to save up and rebuild.


Richard Jones said he and his wife lost $285,000 worth of items ranging from his mobile home, to his boats, to his tools. (Stephanie Claytor, staff)

He and his wife didn't have insurance. The mobile home was too old. After he recovered, he said they finally saved up to buy another one.

The couple is waiting on the results of two more inspections before they can move in.

Meanwhile, Ashley Felts and her family decided to move back onto their property six months after the fire. They lost a two-story home. For the moment, the family of six is living in two RVs.

"It was hard for like six months, but it comes to a time where you just have to get over it," Felts said. "You can't stay in that moment."

The foundation of the home still sits on the property as if the fire happened yesterday. But the family said they are happy because they have their lands and their animals and their lives.