Fire station destroyed by fire

A fire department in Williams County, Ohio, found themselves on the other side of the fire after their station went up in flames. Three other fire departments responded to the fire at the Florence Township fire station in Edon Sunday night. Fire Chief Jay Klinger says the fire started in one of the truck bays while some of the firemen were at the building for a meeting. "They dispatched Edgerton, Montpelier, and Northwest Township Fire Departments.



"They actually took care of the fire attack. We just, we couldn't do anything but sit there and watch it burn," says Klinger. "It's hard to be on the other side, not being able to help. when you're used to doing that for people." Luckily no one was injured, but now all five of their fire trucks and nearly all their gear is gone. "A lot of tears shed the last couple days. When somebody puts 20 plus years of their life in to a fire department, it's hard to stand and watch, but we're making it," says Klinger.





But just as the large debris pile and the scorched fire trucks have drawn people to the department, the chief says the loss has also drawn the community together. "I want people to know, our community to know, thank you for helping, for any donations. We're still here for you, we're going to be here for you," says Klinger. And though it may seem like all is lost, the Florence Township Fire Department will continue to serve their community.


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"We've got arrangements worked out. We're still going to respond, we're going to respond as a department. Things aren't going to change, we just won't be as big as we used to be for now, but we'll get back to it," says Klinger. The department does still have their EMS vehicles, but hopes to have a truck on Tuesday. Neighbouring departments will assist the village of Edon, Florence Township, Blakeslee and the Ohio Turnpike until the Florence Township fire station is back on their feet. The cause of the fire is still unclear.