A memorial of balloons, potted flowers and a photograph of the IOOF Hall and the former Dazzled by Twilight store has been set up at the corner of Division Street and Forks Ave., as pictured here on Saturday morning, Nov. 3.

Mayor Bryon Monohon – update on Forks Fire 2012 – released Friday afternoon, Nov. 2.

Over this past week, the City has been working with a handful of insurance companies associated with the various tenants, users, and owners of the buildings lost in Monday’s catastrophic fire. As one can imagine, each of these parties have their own specific interests and concerns associated with the loss that all of us experienced.

While the federal fire investigators have given their determination to the press and others, each of the insurance companies now involved require their own investigatory work. Unfortunately, what this means for our community is that the site will need to be maintained in a secure manner in its current condition until such independent investigations are completed. We are still working to understand the timing needed by these various companies and their own independent investigators coming from around the Northwest.

We are asking for your specific help and assistance. First, we realize that this site is not the attractive corner of our community it was last weekend. We are working to address that, however, we are unable to take any corrective actions until the insurance companies clear the site and return it back to us. Please be patient with this situation and our staff. 1can attest that dozens of hours by many within the City staff have been spent in the last four days trying to move forward with this issue. It is very likely that hundreds of hours will be spent in the many months ahead by those same staff members. Your patience and support is greatly appreciated.

Second, be assured that we are working hard to move ahead in a manner that is in the best interest of our community. In doing so, we need to keep the entire site secure in its present state. The property is fenced and posted to prevent people from entering this location. Please respect the security measures taken.

Again, we are working very hard to understand and chart a forward course of action. This situation, the nature of the loss, and the magnitude require significant efforts and thoughtful assessments on what the future holds. Thank you all for your support and patience in the past few days; and, in the days ahead.