Arsonist torches Timber Knob Volunteer Fire Department

The department was created in 1995 thanks to community support and donations.

April 28, 2011|by Jay Scherder, KY3 News | jscherder@ky3.com

GAINESVILLE, Mo -- An arsonist struck in Ozark County in the most unlikely of places last weekend. The Timber Knob Volunteer Fire Department is the victim, and it's a big blow to the small community.

"I helped start this fire department from the ground up," said Fire Chief Ruby Winslow.

The Timber Knob Volunteer Fire Department is more than just a building.

"It's a little bit of your heart getting thrown out the door every time we turn around," said Winslow as volunteers cleaned up the burnt equipment.

Winslow has been fire chief since 1995 when the department was created.

"Every vehicle we had was black," Winslow said. "You can't tell anything about anything. They were blacked out."

"It's taken years and donations to get it and now it's just gone," said Caney Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Peat.

The fire wasn't electrical and didn't start because of lightning.

"The lights on the trucks -- it was hot enough to melt every light we had," said Winslow.

It started because an arsonist made it start.

"Why? Where do we start to rebuild?" asked Peat.

This isn't the first time tragedy has struck the Timber Knob Volunteer Fire Department. Just last year, they lost one of their own in the line of duty.

Every piece of equipment thrown away is a brutal reminder of all the hard work that they put into making the department a reality.

"It's the firefighters that are helping us tear it down," Winslow said. "A lot of them helped us build it also."

While their spirit might be broken, their resolve certainly is not.

"They can kick us down but we aren't down forever," said Winslow.

The department is in desperate need of help -- anything from supplies and equipment to monetary donations. If you'd like to help call (417) 679-2000.

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