NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: Early morning fire damages diocesan buildings
Episcopal News Service. October 21, 2010 [102110-03]
Pat McCaughan
An early morning fire has damaged offices of the Sacramento-based Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, according to a statement posted on the diocesan website.
The four-alarm fire was reported about 1:45 a.m. Oct. 21 and destroyed the River City Food Bank, located at 1322 27th Street in downtown Sacramento. Local fire officials released a written statement saying that the flames from the roof of the food bank spread to diocesan offices.
"Extensive damage to the Office of the Bishop at 1318 27th Street has also been reported," according to the statement on the diocesan website. Bishop Barry Beisner and other diocesan staff could not be reached for comment.
The statement also said that the flames affected an area known as "The Annex," which housed communications, youth and young adult ministry services, and the Episcopal Foundation of Northern California and other offices.
Fire officials said it took more than an hour to bring the blaze under control. The cause is under investigation.
A statement on the River City Food Bank website said that the agency, which serves an estimated 30,000 people locally, would be "temporarily closed until we can find a new space. We are working quickly to find this space so that we can continue to serve the needs of our clients as soon as possible."
An estimated 8,000 pounds of food was lost in the fire. "As we head into a very busy holiday season, we will be relying on the generosity of our community," according to the statement.
There were no reported injuries.