County manager details multiple emergency responses and an asbestos inquiry after church fire

County Manager Tim Hunt told the Legislature that Lewis County saw an unusually active stretch of emergency incidents in late February and early March, including a Booneville church fire, a Breamman Church fire that required a 72-hour volunteer response in sub-zero temperatures, and a multi-vehicle accident that resulted in nine people being transported to local hospitals.

Hunt said county crews and volunteer firefighters worked together across multiple calls and that highway and buildings-and-grounds personnel provided equipment and logistical support. "That is what makes Lewis County a special place," Hunt said, describing rapid coordination among departments during concurrent incidents.

Hunt also reported that debris removal after one structure fire prompted calls to the New York State Department of Labor and the Department of Environmental Conservation, which led to an investigation for allegedly illegally transporting asbestos-containing material. The inquiry names the volunteer fire department and the highway department as subjects of the investigation, he said.

Hunt acknowledged concerns about regulatory exposure but defended the county's on-scene assistance to volunteer fire departments. He said the county will continue to respond when communities need help but cautioned that questions about contracts and insurance had arisen in light of the DEC/NYSDOL inquiry.

What the board recorded: county staff will continue mutual-aid assistance to volunteer fire departments while the county examines whether additional contracts, insurance or procedures are needed for future debris removal and hazardous-material concerns.

Why it matters: the DEC/NYSDOL inquiry could affect how the county responds to future structure fires and how highway crews assist with debris; the issue raises potential liability and environmental concerns requiring follow-up from county leadership.