Elk Mills firefighters planning fundraiser to rebuild fire station destroyed by Helene

BUTLER — The Elk Mills-Poga Volunteer Fire Department is making its comeback after its fire hall was destroyed by the floods of Hurricane Helene. One of the volunteer firefighters, Darren Clark, said there are still decisions being made on the future home of the fire department, but one everyone knows that the members will have to raise money to pay for the land and the construction. "We know our community will support us if we just get in our boots and stand on the side of the road and ask for donations," Clark said. "But we thought it would be better to provide some fun for the community when we ask for their support." That is the reason behind the 3rd Annual First Responders Ribfest on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Chamber Park (across the highway from Northeast Correctional Complex) in Mountain City. Clark said the Ribfest is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but it will be part of other events that go on from morning to night. The event will begin in the morning at Doe Mountain Recreation area for the Hometown Heroes 5K Road Race and end in the evening with a live music concert and fireworks. In between, there will be great barbecue, 94 vendors, the Queen of the "Q" beauty pageant. Clark said they are working on lining up a headline group for the concert. He said they are also working on attracting event sponsors and title sponsors for the events. Clark said he would be glad to answer questions of potential sponsors. His number is 423-302-9783. Clark said the volunteer fire department is in the midst of making a comeback after the devastating loss of its fire station when the Elk River flooded the community. The fire station was located on the river bank. "Hurricane Helene struck our community with devastating force. The storm's torrential rains caused the nearby river to overflow its banks, creating a destructive surge that completely washed away our fire hall. The building, along with all our equipment and gear, was swept away, leaving us with nothing but a clear foundation where our station once stood. Despite this immense loss, we are determined to rebuild and continue serving our community," Clark said. He said the fire station cannot be rebuilt on the flood-prone property. The department is still searching for suitable property to build the new station, but the members have not yet decided on the right location. He said a 2-acre lot that is relatively flat is needed to accommodate the fire trucks. He said that type of real estate is a tough find in the mountains of Elk Mills. Even so, the fire department has succeeded in building the new substation, that will hold its grand opening this month. That substation will include space for a bedroom for a paramedic from the Carter County Rescue Squad to man the substation.