12-18-13 ripon fire-a week later

A week after a fire destroyed three buildings in historic downtown Ripon all of the displaced families have found new housing arrangements.   Jason Mansmith with the Ripon Chamber of Commerce says the response in support of the fire victims has been overwhelming and all of their immediate needs have been met.  Mansmith says bag up bag of donations is still pouring in the front door at Traded Treasures, the coordination point for responding to victims’ needs.  Mansmith says at this point the most useful and flexible donation needed is monetary.  Ripon police chief Dave Lukoski says the investigation into the cause of the fire continues although criminal activity has been ruled out.  Lukoski says given the magnitude of the blaze and the fact that it occurred overnight he is still amazed that nobody was hurt or killed.