Thousands of dollars worth of kitchen equipment that was used to feed fire victims in last year’s North Bay Firestorm was stolen.

The Salvation Army says without it, if a disaster strikes, they wouldn’t be able to offer victims much of anything.

They said at this point, they wouldn’t be able to offer victims more than a cup of coffee. What was stolen was very important to their work.

It was industrial grade kitchen equipment that is used to feed the masses.

This Salvation Army branch was a key player in the aftermath of last October’s fires. They tell KRON4 they stepped in within hours of the first blaze and served 17,000 meals in the first six days alone.

The equipment was kept in a locked truck within a gated lot. But the branch corps officer tells KRON4 a contract employee failed to properly secure the gates overnight Tuesday, making it easier for the thieves to get in.

On Wednesday morning, with branch workers showed up, they noticed the door on the truck open and they went in to find a complete mess and a lot of items missing.

Their massive industrial grade pots, pans, and utensils are missing. A lot of snacks and food were stolen.

Thousands of dollars in aid would have gone to anyone in the area that was in need for one reason or another.

KRON4 spoke with the branch lieutenant who tells KRON4 what was stolen goes beyond pots and pans.

“Comfort comes in a hot meal, a hot breakfast, a hot lunch,” Lt. Larry Carmichael said. “It comes in a smile. It comes in a hug. It comes in a mid-day snack when you are absolutely bored and nervous. And you know these units, yes they bring meals. But with them comes a team of volunteers that are trained in spiritual and emotional support. And you know because of what’s been taken from us, at the moment, we can’t respond like we did in Santa Rosa.”

The equipment and foods stolen are worth about $5,000. Now, people in the area would have to rely on the Salvation Army in Santa Rosa or San Francisco in the event a disaster strikes.

The center at 351 Mission St. is taking donations, so if you’d like to contribute, give them a call during business hours.

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