The former home of one of Ruston's fire chiefs is set to be burned to the ground as part of a training exercises for the same department he once led. The burn is scheduled for this Saturday, February 19th.
Gerald Tritt and his wife Carol once lived in this house on N. Shirley Street across from Ruston School. Gerald helped rebuild the department in the 1980's after the department was disbanded briefly. His wife Carol formed the Firefighter Auxiliary to support department efforts, such as raising the funds to purchase a much needed medical aid van. Gerald died a few years ago, but his legacy lives on in a well-trained, committed volunteer fire department.
One of the best ways to train is with live fire. Ruston Fire Chief Don Torbet reports his fire fighters are "pumped up" and ready. Bates Technical College fire training school is the lead agency on this effort. As you will recall, some Bates fire fighters live in the bunk house next to town hall to help provide 24 hour coverage for Ruston - and valuable training for the Bates students.
This burn has been in the planning for months. North Shirley Street will be closed all day from 52nd to 53rd. You can view the fire from the parking lot at the Ruston School building at 5219 N. Shirley. It will be a busy day in the neighborhood, but immensely valuable to our fire department, helpful to the family who will rebuild a new home here and exciting to watch. I think Gerald would be proud to know his work continues to benefit his department.
7 comments:
Nice report Karen, thank you. Beth
Looks like a nice house. Why are they burning it?
The owner had planned extensive renovation, but the cost to remodel turned out to be about the same as taking down the old house and starting new.
And they are using a local contractor from here in Ruston to over see the project. Should be exciting to see. High hopes everyone!
What time is the burn set for?
From what I understand, there will be a series of fires set and put out during the morning hours, then the full building will be burned starting in early afternoon.
.Lots of hard work went into making this house our home..many fire department functions were held here creating some wonderful memories and new friends...Gerald would be happy the fire dept. was getting this opportunity... I will be anxious to see the new building..
Very nice report Karen.. sure do miss all of you....Carol Tritt
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