Fatal Carson Fire leaves Mitchell family struggling; friends rally to support them

Brody, 16, and Kim Mitchell, 34, in a photo shared on a gofundme page made for them after a fire in Carson on Tuesday, Dec. 10 took the life of Kim’s brother, RJ, and destroyed everything they owned.

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 12, 2024 — Friends are doing the best they can for the Mitchell Family in Carson, Washington after a devastating fire took the life of a brother, son and uncle on Tuesday, Dec. 10. 

“It was a complete loss,” said family friend Kendra Latimer who has known 34-year-old Kim Mitchell since she was 5 years old. “Her brother - RJ Mitchell - did not make it. We're just trying to get funds so that we can rebuild her life I guess. I don’t even know what to say about it.”

Latimer struggled to make any sense of it. 

She said her good friend Kim, a home care aid, was dealing with the loss of her brother while at the same time trying to find housing for herself and her 16-year-old son Brody.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, firefighters were called to the burning home at 9:54 p.m., according to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office. 

Personnel from Skamania County Fire District 1, Stevenson Fire Department, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, and Skamania County Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and fire personnel immediately initiated a search for occupants while working to extinguish the fire, the Sheriff’s Office reported. 

Crews located and extricated one resident, RJ Mitchell, providing immediate emergency care. Despite the incredible efforts made by emergency medical personnel, the resident succumbed to the injuries sustained in the fire.

The fire was ultimately extinguished, and the incident is under active investigation. All responding agencies extend their condolences to the families involved and acknowledge the significant loss they have suffered.

Fire at the Mitchell home on Strode Road in Carson destroyed the families possessions.

Latimer said the fire was still under investigation but said early signs could point to an electrical issue. 

She pointed out that Kim’s mom and dad are also devestated over the loss of their son.

“There’s multiple tragedies and a lot of tears,” she said. 

Kim and Brody are staying with her parents Dar and Gui. They may be there a while as Latimer pointed out the lack of rentals in the area. 

“Kim is a single mom and it's really hard - she is a care giver. She cares for a lot of people and also has a bakery side business and arts and crafts to sell t-shirts on bazaars or online.”

“Everything is so expensive these days,” she said, “especially for a single mom. They Lost everything. There is nothing salvageable.”

That included Brody’s computer that he used to attend school online. 

Locals know Kim for her cupcakes and sweets. She operate’s Kim’s Cakes and Things.

She had to put an abrupt stop to the business due to the fire. “Lost everything in house fire no orders until further notice,” Kim posted on her Facebook Page. 

Some of Kim’s fine chocolate work.

“I’m so sorry for your loss! And I know it’s not much but You can come use my kitchen anytime to make your orders if you feel up to it!” commented Kelsey Baxter.

Latimer met Kim 30 years ago and is a close personal friend with her mother Dar Mitchell who she befriended at Dee’s Kitchen in Stevenson several years ago. 

“Kim is the most selfless person I have ever met,” Latimer said. “She would do anything for anybody.” 

Latimer and Kiera Newton have started a gofundme for Mitchell with the hopes of rebuilding Kim and Brody’s lives. Click here.   It had raised more than $4,000 on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m.

“Anything helps and we appreciate every ones willingness to share our posts and keep Kim and her family in their thoughts and prayers with Christmas coming for them at a very difficult time,” Latimer said. 

Latimer said donations of clothes or household items are not being taken yet as the family has no way of storing them but monetary donations are the most  efficient way of helping the Mitchells.

For more information you can call Latimer at 1-360-624-1316 or email her at kndr_latimer@yahoo.com