Camp Sweeney fire results in around $250K in damage
By Cathy Mounce, Gainesville Daily Register, Texas | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
A structure fire at the
The building housed the camp laundry room, a newly renovated arts and crafts room, jet skis and other miscellaneous stored items and equipment used at the camp.
According to
"Despite this devastating loss, we are so grateful that no one was injured," Hood said. "Since it happened on a Sunday, we are fortunate that there were no children in the facility."
Hood said that the laundry room alone held eight washers and 15 dryers with 66 kids losing all of their clothes in the laundry leaving them with only the clothes they were wearing.
"We made a quick trip to
The fire was contained to the structure and due to a road surrounding the structure and recent rains, the fire did not spread to the cabins or grounds of the camp.
"We were able to save four vehicles that were near the fire and another building that was in close proximity," Musick said. "We were there about six hours to insure that hot spots did not develop."
Musick said four trucks and eight personnel initially arrived with
"We were also grateful for water and food from Cooke County Rehabilitation," Musick said. "They kept us fed and hydrated during the hot afternoon."
Musick and Hood both believed that the initial cause may be related to electrical issues.
"I know that
In a statement on Tuesday, Fletcher confirmed that although a specific cause of the fire had not been determined, the fire appeared to have been influenced by electrical wiring without any apparent criminal activity involved.
Hood said the camp has one more week of camp for the current roster of children with other weekend camps beginning in September.
Hood said although the camp has insurance, the total loss of property was not covered entirely.
She anticipates that once campers arrive back at their homes, the camp will probably receive monetary requests for lost clothing.
"We are so grateful for the quick response of the
When asked about current needs for the facility, Hood said that monetary donations in any amount would be gratefully appreciated.
"
According to the
Donations can be made online at the
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