Thursday, Dec. 13 — The Richmond 4-H has chosen to adopt the family who was displaced after their apartment sustained moderate damage from a Tuesday, Dec. 11 fire.

Alex Grutgen lived in one of four upstairs apartments with his wife and children, ages 3 and 4, when the fire broke out in the early evening at 724 Main Street where Lassen Ale Works at the Pioneer Saloon is also located.

Sandy Fortin, of the Richmond 4-H, said she talked to the mother and she said clothes are always welcome and the children did lose a lot of toys.

Fortin explained the 4-H group adopts a family each year and provides Christmas items and food. Due to the extenuating circumstances, the group is opening the project up to the  community and will accept donations at the 4-H office located at 707 Nevada St.

Donations are due by Friday, Dec. 21. The 4-H office is open 9 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon, on Friday.

Two other adults, identified as Lena Vermillion and Tom Dotson, were also living in the building and were also displaced. 

According to Sophia Wages, Red Cross Lassen County disaster manager, the Red Cross provides housing for a maximum three days and food and clothing for a week. 

Anyone affected by the fire, whether the tenants or employees at the Lassen Ale Works at the Pioneer Saloon, who cannot work at this time, can also call the Salvation Army, who provides emergency assistance for almost anything except lodging.

People can call Susanville Center Coordinator Juanita Williams at 257-0314 and she will evaluate each person’s situation.