WATKINS GLEN—Schuyler County and village offices have relocated after a plow truck caused an electric fire at the Shared Services Facility in Watkins Glen, Saturday morning, March 23. Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn said the fire caused “substantial damage” to both equipment and the structural integrity of the building itself. The facility is shared by the county highway, soil and water conservation district, and watershed protection agency, as well as the Watkins Glen street, code enforcement, and public works departments. O’Hearn said the fire alarm sounded at 2:23 a.m. Saturday. He explained they are still assessing the damage and do not have an estimated loss total yet. He said the fire did lead to the destruction of the plow truck believed to be the cause of the blaze and two other significantly damaged vehicles. The other trucks are back in service. However, O’Hearn added the loss could have been thousands of dollars more if emergency responders hadn’t taken measures to protect equipment as the fire was extinguished. Currently, all offices previously housed in the facility are now operating in new locations. O’Hearn said many operations were relocated to the old highway office and garage. Smaller agencies were moved to other existing offices. O’Hearn said the direct highway phone line is down and that people looking to contact the department should call the non-emergency dispatch at 535-8222.
