A Downtown Emergency Fire Fund has been set up to help residents and business owners affected by the early morning fire in Rock Island’s Downtown District on Sept. 27. The fire started in a vacant building scheduled for demolition two days later, and nine buildings were damaged.
The vacant building, located on the 200 block of 18th Street was formerly the Mississippi Café.
“We are still trying to assess all the damage done and open up leads on residents and business owners that were affected by the fire and help meet their needs, said Beth Payne, administration director for Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation. “The Downtown Emergency Fire Fund that has been set up is helping to raise money to help each person on an individual basis.”
Firefighters fought to contain the fire, which was put out after a few hours. The Rock Island Fire Department, the Blackhawk Fire Department, the Rock Island Arsenal and the City of Moline fire departments assisted in putting the fire out.
“When it comes to partnership and collaboration, this is a true testament of how well Rock Island’s Fire Department and city services work together with other fire departments,” said Payne. “It’s not very often we can have a severe event like this happen in our downtown and then our downtown still be able to hold a fundraiser.”
The Quad Cities Marathon was also held on 18th Street within the 24 hours of the fire starting.
The Jaded Gypsy Tattoo was forced to be demolished. Huckleberry’s Pizza also sustained damage and apartments above the restaurant were affected.
“Those affected by the fire want to stay in downtown,” said Brain Hollenback, president of Renaissance Rock Island. “This was their home, their livelihood, and we are working hard to find something that fits their needs.”
Donations to the Downtown Emergency Fire Fund, created by the Rock Island Economic Growth Corp., can be mailed with a return address to the Modern Woodmen Bank. Donations are tax-deductible and the first donation was $1000, given by the Modern Woodmen Bank.
“Our businesses and our community, we really rally together,” said Payne. “That’s why, in response to this, people are coming together and really filling this fund because now people can be helped . . .This is a pretty bad thing to go through, but to know that your community is there to help and behind them is an important thing in the community.”
There is no report on how the fire started, although police said there is reason to believe someone started the fire and are looking for leads.