Posted: 3/29/05
Fire hall damaged during snow storm
The Caledonia Fire Hall sustained damage on March 19 when a piece of snow removal equipment was accidentally backed into it.
DeWayne ěTankî Schroeder was taking snow off the driveway in front of the fire truck doors that Saturday morning so that trucks could get out if needed. The storm dumped about 20 inches of snow on Caledonia. He was using a front end loader when he inadvertently backed into the north end of the building by the last door.
The wall was pushed in about 10-12 inches starting at a spot about three feet above the ground. One of the tracks on the door was bent. The door still opens, but a post has been place inside the frame as a precautionary measure.
City clerk Bob Nelson said that a claim for the damage has been turned over to the cityís insurance company. The city will seek bids to have the wall repaired and outside bricks replaced. Nelson did not know what the cost would be.
When repairs are made, the door opening will be widened by two feet, from 12 feet to 14 feet, to accommodate the truck more easily, Nelson said.
A water meter and 3-1/2 inch line is located on the damaged wall. This is used to fill trucks on the outside of the building during a fire. lt will now be moved to the south end of the hall. This will be an improvement, Nelson said, because truck drivers have a difficult time getting under the old water line due to a nearby embankment.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com