The Barneveld Fire Department is nearing the final stages in the process of rebuilding their firehouse after it collapsed in February.
Chief Kevin Kalk said the department has been without a permanent home, which has impacted their ability to debrief after calls. “It’s been weird not having a home,” Kalk said. “We don’t have that right now, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The department recently completed an environmental survey with the State DEC and local authorities, confirming that the new building will not be in a flood plain. Kalk said they are finalizing the design phase and are preparing for a permissive referendum to secure final financing.
Kalk said, “It’s been overwhelming, the response we’ve had from our community and neighboring communities and the fire service as a whole from across the state.”
Since the collapse, the department has responded to more than 300 calls from a temporary station shared with the Town of Trenton Highway Department.
While insurance is covering a significant portion of the reconstruction costs, the department still needs additional funds.
