Town of Minden Highway Garage and building destroyed by fire

Communities are rallying around the Town of Minden in the wake of the recent fire at the Highway Garage and building. Tragically, the building was mostly destroyed by fire along with several town trucks and other equipment. 

Thanks to the efforts of local and area firefighters one part of the three-section building was spared following a nearly three-hour firefight.

As reported by the Fort Plain Fire Department, responders and those present on the scene included the Canajoharie FD, the South Minden FD, the St. Johnsville FD, the Rural Grove FD, the Ephratah FD, SAVAC, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery County Fire Coordinator, the Montgomery County Emergency Services Office, NYS DOT, Village of Fort Plain DPW, Stewarts of Fort Plain, New York State Fire and Town of Minden Supervisor Cheryl Reese.

No one was injured. Town Supervisor Cheryl Reese, calls that the biggest silver lining.

“This is the town of Minden family and we’ve lost our home,” said Reese. “And this is something that, I don’t even think it’s hit me yet because I’ve just been running on adrenaline right now, but there’s a lot that we have to do.”

Statement from Supervisor Reese posted to Town of linden highway Superintendent Joe Hanafin Facebook page,

Town of Minden Highway Garage and building destroyed by fire (Photo by Joe Hanefin.)

“The Town of Minden Garage and our fleet have suffered a complete loss.In addition, we lost a few offices. The Town offices and Court will be closed temporarily while we regroup.

Our thanks to the Fort Plain Fire Department for their wonderful efforts in saving the Town Court and Municipal Building. Both received only smoke and water damage.Also thank you to all of the other fire departments, including South Minden, for their aid in battling the fire.

We are currently working with other townships and municipalities to assure our roads remain plowed and our services remain intact. We did have one truck out on repair, so that was spared.”

This is a developing story.