Fire levels block in Quincy, destroys Plumas County crisis resource center
The Plumas Crisis Intervention & Resource Center is searching for a new home and asking for the public’s help after a large fire Wednesday ripped through a block of Main Street in Quincy, destroying two buildings, including a next-door brewery.
Firefighters from Quincy Volunteer Fire Department and other neighboring agencies took several hours to put down the blaze on the 600 block of Main Street, which started around 1:45 p.m. and belted heavy smoke through the mountain community of 1,800 residents.
While crews were able to keep the blaze from spreading to buildings that house Plumas County’s assessor’s office, planning and building departments and retailers, the resource center and Quintopia Brewery Co. were leveled. Also destroyed were props and costumes in a warehouse for Dramaworks’ West End Theatre, as well as two trailers, an RV and a camper shell, according to Plumas News.
Also, Quincy Fire Chief Robbie Cassou told the Plumas News that three firefighters, including the agency’s deputy chief who was held overnight, were treated at Plumas District Hospital for dehydration while another firefighter suffered a broken arm.
It was a total lost for the resource center — which started 37 years ago and had recently renovated the structure — and included the destruction of a new supply of personal protective equipment for the community, including face masks for children, said Cathy Rahmeyer, the center’s senior family advocate and emergency services coordinator.
“We lost everything,” said Rahmeyer, who is among a handful of staffers working to keep the center running virtually by telephone and email. “We’re homeless.”
The nonprofit group is the hub for help and support in the Quincy community. In addition to its resource center, the group offers food and housing to homeless people, helps parolees and offers a food pantry. The center runs several community programs, including the Plumas-Sierra Crisis Line, a hotline for victims of rape and sexual assault, as well as for emergencies and Plumas County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates.
The group’s Ohana House, a facility at 175 Main St., that provides a shelter and life-skills programs for homeless and parolees working to get back on their feet, was undamaged and continues to operate.
The group is unsure how long rebuilding the destroyed property will take, so they are looking for new locations. The center looked for a new home Thursday with no luck.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Cassou, the fire chief, told Plumas News “the fire started in or immediately around the trailer and spread to the Quintopia Brewery and adjacent units.”
Cassou told Plumas News that his agency received “great support” keeping the blaze from destroying more of Main Street. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, state Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Gas and Electric, and the Meadow Valley, Indian Valley, East Plumas, Beckwourth and Hamilton Branch fire department assisted in the response.
Having already received some PPE donations, the Plumas Crisis Intervention & Resource Center is seeking donations to find a new building and replace what was lost. Donations can be made by check to PCIRC c/o Ohana House P.O. Box 3005, Quincy, CA 95971, through any Plumas Bank or U.S. Bank location or via PayPal on the group’s website.
To contact the center for services or questions, contact Rahmeyer at highsierragrants@yahoo.com or 530-591-5697.