Staff report
Sixteen months after flames destroyed their firehouse, Liberty Volunteer Fire Department firefighters are in a new building.
Firefighters moved into the new Bringle Ferry Road Station Monday afternoon.
Chief Darren Trexler said the department will hold an open house later, after it has time for a few finishing touches.
The station burned in the early hours of June 12, 2007. The fire started in the attic and quickly spread throughout the building. Neighbors were able to save the trucks.
The fire was ruled accidental and is believed to have been caused by electrical wiring.
Monday afternoon, firefighters moved a fire engine, brush truck and all-terrain vehicle into the new facility.
All of the equipment has been operated from the main station on Stokes Ferry Road while construction of the new building progressed.
Trexler said the new station is a little bit larger.
While the burned station was paid for primarily through chicken-and-dumpling fundraisers, insurance paid for the new station.
“The insurance paid off really good,” Trexler said.