By Allyson Dix
For Glasgow News 1
Barren County officials are set to begin discussions about the county’s fire response systems following public concerns raised after an April house fire that destroyed the home of Magistrate Jeff Botts and his wife.
Botts detailed his experience and expressed his appreciation for community members, friends, and family who responded or offered support in the aftermath of a fire that resulted in a total loss of his home, including employees with the county’s road department.
“Honestly, we wouldn’t have made it without the community,” Botts said in a recent fiscal court meeting, describing the support he and his wife received from firefighters, friends, church members, including customers of his business.
He said the fire began around 10:30 a.m. on April 11, a day that he expressed was one of three most difficult days of his life.
Detailing his most difficult days, Botts said taking his master plumber’s test was the first and burying his father was the second.
“And then, number three was April 11,” Botts said. “But with the help of the community, friends, and family, we’re building back.”
Botts also addressed rumors surrounding his third most devastating day, including claims of arson and speculation about insurance money. He said the state fire marshal’s investigation determined the cause of the fire was undetermined and was shocked to learn that 9 out of 10 fires are considered undetermined.
Cameras on the property helped establish that the fire was not arson, Botts said.
“I want to get it in the clear right now,” Botts said, addressing rumors. He questioned why he and his wife would intentionally put themselves through the aftermath of losing their home.
“Some of that was brought up,” Botts said about the circulating rumors. “Why in the world would me and my wife want to deal with the few months that we’ve had? It’s been a nightmare trying to put all this back together, to get a home back.”
The magistrate criticized rumors and misinformation that circulated after the fire, saying that such comments add more difficulty to an already hard situation.
“We’re trying to do the best we can here,” Botts said, speaking about his own situation as well as the work of those serving on the fiscal court. “It goes back to my situation and all the stuff you see on the media that makes you sick, because it’s not the truth.”
Botts also compared the situation to other contentious issues the county has faced, such as solar farms, American Rescue Plan Act funds distributed by the county during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently, data centers.
Discussion of county fire protection
Botts, who announced last year that he would not seek reelection this November, said he has agreed to help lead an effort to examine how the county could improve its fire and emergency responses.
He said several people, including the judge-executive, have approached him about the idea. While Botts said he is still dealing with the emotional impact of losing his home, he is willing to help spearhead the discussions.
“This can be a start,” Botts said.
The first discussions are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, and will include officials from Warren County, which has added a fire coordinator in recent years.
Botts emphasized that any changes should not diminish the role of the county’s current volunteer fire departments.
“We’re really blessed to have them and definitely do not want to hurt any feelings,” Botts said. “But we do need to look at the issue of some situations in the last four months that have come about that is concerning that we need to address.”
Concerns about volunteer staffing
Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd praised the current volunteer fire departments, but said staffing and availability for some of the firefighters can be an issue, particularly when volunteers have full-time jobs elsewhere.
“Volunteer fire departments are working these accidents on I-65, and I mean they’re horrendous (accidents),” Byrd said, specifically noting those housed near the interstate. “And they’re volunteers and they’re really good volunteers, but…we’re not getting more volunteers.”
She questioned what will happen when longtime volunteer firefighters such as Ronnie Stinson, Barry Garrett, and Larry Bragg are no longer available to respond.
“What are you going to do when you don’t have that?” she asked.
Byrd said she believes the county should consider exploring working relationships to develop some form of countywide fire response teams, including paid positions.
“[Many] can’t leave full-time jobs to go to a fire, and that’s just where we’re trying to figure out these gaps,” Byrd said. “I think a committee and discussions won’t hurt to just see what other communities have done and do it in partnerships with our volunteer fire departments to see if it’s even doable.”
The Aug. 27 meeting is expected to serve as an initial discussion of potential options for improving coverage for fires in the county.
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