During Susanville’s early history the community was plagued by some devastating fires such as in 1882 and 1893. In each instance efforts were made to correct the situation, but to no avail. Then came fire of June 6, 1900 and everything changed. All the wooden structures on the south side of Main Street from Roop to Union were destroyed, some forty in all and the estimated loss at $100,000. It served as a catalyst for the incorporation movement for Susanville.
On June 13, 1900 a citizens meeting was held to discuss the legal requirements to incorporate the town. After some debate it was decided to move forward. A petition was circulated and signed by sixty-five registered voters requesting the Lassen County Board of Supervisors to call for a special election to decide the incorporation issue. The board obliged. On August 15, 1900 the voters went to the polls and improved the incorporation by 61 to 20. Elected to serve as trustees were Charles Emerson, John Humphrey, Howard Meylert, Julien Pardee and John Riley. The first city council meeting was held on August 28, 1900.