In the early morning hours of March 29th, a massive fire tore through the historic Old SPI Mill site on Riverside Drive, a landmark that has stood as a pillar of Susanville’s industry for decades. While the physical loss of the building is significant, the heart of the tragedy lies in the total destruction of Nobles Construction Components, leaving 32 local workers and their families facing an uncertain future.
A Heartbreaking Loss for a Local Family
For Amanda Sheppard-Adair, the daughter of the company’s owner, the fire didn’t just claim a structure—it claimed a legacy. Her father, a Susanville native, built NCC into a business that designs and manufactures prefabricated structural components used throughout California and the Pacific Coast.
“This wasn’t just a building,” Sheppard-Adair shared in a heartfelt appeal. “It was the heart of a business that has supported our community for years… a place where people built careers, supported their families and became like family to us.”
The fire was relentless, reducing the tools, materials, and equipment to ash in a matter of hours. While the community is breathing a collective sigh of relief that no one was injured in the blaze, the financial and emotional impact on the 32 families who depend on NCC has been overwhelming.
The Race to Keep the Crew Working
Despite the total loss of the facility, the spirit of the NCC team remains unbroken. Amanda’s father is already working tirelessly to ensure his employees don’t lose their livelihoods. While the insurance process is underway, it is notoriously slow – time that these 32 families simply do not have.
To keep operations moving and fulfill existing contracts, the owner has already begun the massive task of replacing major heavy equipment. However, a significant hurdle remains: the personal tools of the trade.
The “Tool Fund”: Replacing the Essentials
For a carpenter, their tools are more than just equipment – they are their livelihood. Many of the crew members lost their entire personal kits in the fire. The immediate goal of the community fundraiser is to re-equip these hardworking men and women with the essentials they need to get back to the job site immediately.
The most urgent needs include:
- Framing hammers and nail bags
- Speed squares and chalk lines
- Tape measures and cat’s paws
By replacing these personal tool kits, the community can help ensure these workers stay employed and continue providing for their families while the business navigates the long road to recovery.
How You Can Help
Susanville has always been a community that stands together in times of crisis. Whether through a donation or simply by spreading the word, every bit of support helps the NCC family reclaim what was lost.
Donate: Contributions go directly toward replacing the tools and helping the crew get back on their feet.
Share: If you are unable to give financially, sharing the fundraiser on social media is a powerful way to help.
To contribute to the relief efforts, please visit the official GoFundMe page:
Tool Fund for NCC Crew After Devastating Fire
“We are incredibly grateful for the support, kindness, and strength of this community during such a difficult time,” says Sheppard-Adair. “Thank you for standing with our family and our crew.”
(CalFIRE LMU Photos)
