SYKESVILLE, Md.
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Officials at the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department said the administrative and living areas of its headquarters will have to be razed because of damage from February's roof collapse and resulting fire.
Most of the facility, including the station's social hall, was destroyed in the Feb. 11 three-alarm fire. As crews fought the blaze, the two-story portion of the building facing Route 32 was left standing in hopes it could be incorporated into the rebuilding of the station.
During a recent planning meeting with an architectural firm, evidence was presented that revealed compromises in the structural integrity of the remaining part of the building. It was concluded that the remainder of the administrative and living portion of the station would need to be demolished.
"This is not good news, and will present an additional challenge for us," said Fire Department President Kevin Shiloh. "The community has been fantastic since the fire, but we will need to rely on them for more help in order to rebuild."
Shiloh said the loss of the department's social hall is a severe blow, because of lost revenues from hall rentals and other fire department fundraisers. The departments annual carnival is scheduled for June 21-26, and Shiloh said members of the department are praying for good weather. "We need all the support we can get that week," Shiloh said. Proceeds from the carnival will benefit the building fund.
Insurance money is expected to cover a significant portion of the loss, but a final figure has not yet been determined, officials said.
Department officials are examining the idea of a capital campaign to raise money for reconstruction of the station. Additionally, the department is pursuing state and federal disaster aid money, none of which is guaranteed.
The department's apparatus bay and firefighting equipment were not damaged in the fire.
It is expected that reconstruction of the station will take approximately 18 months to complete, officials said. In the meantime, the department continues to function administratively in makeshift headquarters in trailers in the rear of the station.
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