Clean-Up from Downtown Fire Progresses Quickly in Flatonia as Czhilispiel Nears
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Clean-Up from Downtown Fire Progresses Quickly in Flatonia as Czhilispiel Nears -
The aftermath of Flatonia downtown fire site as it looked last week (left) and on Tuesday amidst cleanup efforts. Photos by Andy Behlen and Craig Moreau
Crews of volunteer organizations, working with city and county officials, have begun removing debris that resulted from the fire in downtown Flatonia on October 3.
The Flatonia Fire Department with the assistance of mutual aid companies was able to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing the flames from traveling to neighboring buildings. The fire caused a total property loss - nothing is salvageable. What remains is a very dangerous, structurally unsound building, and is a safety hazard.
“Safety of our citizens is of the utmost concern,” said Chief Lee Dick of the Flatonia Police Department. “The remainder of the structure poses a significant hazard and it is imperative that the hazard is mitigated as soon as possible.”
Though the property was a private residence, the hazardous remains at the location create a significant concern for neighbors, visitors and for anticipated campers and attendees who will attend the upcoming Czhilispiel events (Oct 28-30). With that, local officials deemed the necessity, with urgency, to mitigate the hazards of exposure by coordinating an effort of community and volunteer organizations active in disaster, also known as COADs and VOADs, to facilitate the removal of the remaining structure.
Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Craig Moreau said the overwhelming outpouring of support from our community partners is a testament to the heart of our people according to.
“We could not have acted as swiftly to begin the remediation process without the volunteers from across the region and the leadership of city officials,” Moreau said. “I am very thankful for their efforts.”
Debris removal began Monday, October 10, and will continue throughout the week.
Notice Of Road Closures
The cleanup will require road closures in downtown. The road closure area for this event includes the area from 109 W. South Main to 117 W. South Main, and the areas immediately around the property. Residents are asked to avoid the area to assist in facilitation of the cleanup process. Road closures begin immediately and to run throughout the week.