Marysville shelter opens last-minute doors for fire victims

A late-night fire in Marysville forced ten adults with special needs out of their home Monday. Firefighters arrived quickly but the damage still left the group without a safe place to stay. Many had no family nearby to call, making their situation urgent as night temperatures dropped. The Marysville Cold Weather Shelter, scheduled to close soon, had just enough space left. Around fifty people were already staying there when the new arrivals came in. Supervisor Kathie Knight and church volunteer Jan Barnes worked with firefighters to set up extra beds. They didn’t just share a space—they made sure everyone felt safe and warm together.Nathan Ray, who runs the shelter, called the night a powerful example of teamwork. Fire crews stayed overnight to help keep watch over the new guests. The shelter doesn’t ask questions—it just opens its doors when people need it most. For many, that last-minute choice made all the difference.