Putnam Fire Department Updating Master Plan

The Putnam County Fire Department is nearing the end of its expansive master plan.

The last step of the master plan includes relocating fire stations at Nash’s Chapel and Gentry. Putnam County Fire Chief Tom Brown said the stations will remain in the general area.

“We actually had money in last year’s budget for those,” Brown said. “It’s kinda been put on hold because of COVID and budget restrictions and so on and so forth. I anticipate in the next year we’ll probably be moving forward on that.”

A new facility along Gainesboro Grade will be built soon. Brown said the new facility will be near Hyder-Burks Pavilion.

“It’s going to improve the ISO rating on that area which is currently too far away from accredited fire station,” Brown said. “So it’s going to be a big problem solver for us.”

Brown said once the department receives the property deed, construction will begin.

Brown said the current facilities cannot hold a Class A pumper, truck, or tanker. Additionally, there is not enough property room at either locations to build a large enough building.

Constant equipment upgrades and vehicle replacements will remain in the works, Brown said. He said the department is looking to hire more firefighters and are always accepting volunteers.