The Upper Columbia Conference office in Spokane, Wash., was significantly damaged by fire, Sunday, December 28. The fire, first reported around 5 a.m., destroyed more than half of the building, including the Adventist Book Center, board room, and central administrative offices. By late in the day, firefighters were hopeful of containment, trying to salvage at least a portion of the west wing of the building, including Positive Life Radio affiliate KEEH FM studios and He’s Alive television. Cause of the fire is still undetermined.
None of the usual UCC office e-mail and phone contacts are immediately available, although IT personnel are hopeful to have some if not all restored later in the week. Conference leaders are working on interim headquarters options and are contacting staff to ensure continuity of essential services.
The Upper Columbia Conference Web site, www.uccsda.org, will be back online soon with regularly updated information. For further information, contact Jay Wintermeyer, UCC communication director, at jay@joyfullcreations.com.
Photos of this devastating event can be seen at the following Flickr album:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/designerbrent/sets/72157611751595181/
Additional information and updates about the fire can be seen at the various Spokane news media sites, including the following:
http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2-122808-7dayfire.16526d3d.html
http://www.kxly.com/global/story.asp?s=9586223
And, most certainly, prayers for our UCC friends and colleagues are especially appropriate at this time.
Steve Vistaunet
Asst to the President/GLEANER editor
Northwest Adventist Headquarters
5709 N. 20th Street
Ridgefield, WA 98642
360-857-7045
503-329-9808 cell
