7N Ranch Resort reopens after Big Rock fire, thanks community for support
HEISE, Idaho (KIFI)– 7N Ranch Resort is back in business after the Big Rock Fire forced it to temporarily close its doors for nearly a week.
7N Ranch Resort has been home for the Newby family for decades and represents years of hard work, family memories and community.
Owners Tennessee and George Newby have devoted much of their lives to the resort. They raised their three children on the ranch, including their son Eric Newby, who moved back home three years ago.
"I watched them build it from pretty much nothing," Eric Newby said.
As the Big Rock Fire burned nearby, Tennessee said she was particularly concerned about the possibility of the flames reaching a grain field near their home.
"I think I was a little bit apprehensive thinking about if it did hit the grain because it was coming down and it was getting dark," she said. "We live across the field, so I thought, that comes down and hits that grain, it might make it to our house."
The ranch and the family's home ultimately remained safe from the fire. But while the resort was closed, the Newbys say they didn't have much time to dwell on what could have happened.
"We didn't have time to worry too much about that because we were all pretty busy helping each other," George Newby said.
The Newbys say support from their neighbors and the surrounding community helped them through the difficult week.
Mountain River Ranch, a nearby business, hosted a fundraiser benefiting 7N Ranch Resort and Heise Hot Springs.
"We got a lot of support from the neighbors and appreciate Mountain River Ranch putting on the fundraiser," George Newby said. "Just a lot of local community helping each other as well."
After nearly a week of uncertainty, the Newbys say they are grateful their home and business are still standing and are ready to move forward.
"We're all still here. It could have been a lot worse, could have been a lot, lot worse," George Newby said. "So we're just happy to be here and want people to know that we're open again and looking forward to seeing them again."