The Woodstock Selectboard agreed on Tuesday to tap its contingency fund to replace some firefighting gear that was damaged during a barn fire on Dec. 10. On that day, firefighters from many towns joined forces to put out the fire and save Hank Smith’s horse barn (and horses) on Cox District Road, just over the Bridgewater line.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Municipal Manager Phil Swanson said six sets of firefighting clothes were damaged and needed replacing. That would cost about $9,000 in contingency funds, according to Swanson. This was the best of three bids the municipality received to replace the damaged gear, he added.
The town is ordering the replacements now so that the gear is available in the event of a future fire. Swanson hopes the Woodstock Fireman’s Relief Association and the town’s insurance coverage through the Vermont League of Cities and Towns will be two ways to make up some of the $9,000. Swanson has already filed the insurance claim.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 