Sunday, Mar. 13, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Fire destroys Peachtree City gazeboBy LEE WILLIAMS A long-standing landmark at Huddleston Pond in Peachtree City was whittled to charred sticks and ashes after a feverish blaze devoured the structure early Tuesday morning. No one was injured in the fire that broke out about 2:30 a.m., but residents who used the large gazebo at Huddleston Pond for picnics, family gatherings or simply to escape hot sun rays will have to find other arrangements. Peachtree City Fire and Rescue officials responded to the gazebo off of Windgate Road in Glenloch Village to battle the unusual blaze after receiving a call from an unknown caller. The fire spread to the rafters, PCFD Assistant Fire Chief Ed Eiswerth said. Crews reportedly used fuel buster to aid their efforts as the gazebo was composed of heavy timber. The fire was under control within 30 minutes, officials said. The gazebo, which once housed three to four picnic tables, has been a cherished focal point of Huddleston Pond. The recreational area is often used by exercisers and fishing enthusiasts. The damaged gazebo was leveled shortly after the fire. There was so much damage to the roofing area that the fire department recommended that it would be torn down, Eiswerth said. Damage from the fire rendered the gazebo unsafe, he added. Peachtree City Parks and Recreational officials hauled the remnants away, Eiswerth indicated. A concrete slab is all that remains, he added. The fire caused between $7,000 to $10,000 in damage, recreational officials said. The blaze appeared to be electrical in nature and might have been sparked by a light fixture in the roof of the gazebo, Peachtree City Fire Marshal John Dailey said. Sherry McHugh, who is the recreation administrator for the Peachtree City Parks and Recreation Department, said the gazebo will be replaced. We do plan to replace the gazebo in our next fiscal year's budget, which begins in October, McHugh said. We have budgeted funds for pavilion replacement or additions throughout our parks. Therefore, some of these funds will be used to replace this gazebo. We hope to install a similar style gazebo. |
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