Avail Valley Construction’s commercial shop in Freedom was completely destroyed by fire over the weekend, along with everything inside.
The Thayne Volunteer Fire Department’s Chief Tedd Jenkins said they were dispatched to the building around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday.
Jenkins stated that the building, located near the Freedom Gravel Pit, was completely engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived, and that it had most likely been burning for some time before the call came in.
The steel shop had living quarters, campers, and trucks inside. According to Chief Jenkins, one person was inside the building and had to break a window to escape.
The individual then called 911 from a nearby residence. He was later transported for medical treatment for minor burns, cuts, and smoke inhalation.
Chief Jenkins stated that the Thayne Fire Department was short one tanker truck because it was currently being repaired, so firefighters had to shuttle water from the Freedom water system.
The Alpine Fire Department was called in to help, bringing an additional tanker that allowed firefighters to eventually control the fire.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but Chief Jenkins has stated that it appears to be electrical in nature.
