Rawhide Boys Ranch Training Building Destroyed by Fire |
 At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2009 a fire was discovered burning in the Round Up Hall, a training facility/workshop that is one of the oldest structures at Rawhide Boys Ranch. The New London Fire Department was called and arrived shortly thereafter to respond to the fire. No one was in the building at the time and there were no injures resulting from the fire.
According to New London Fire Chief Bart Roloff, the structure was engulfed in flames as crews arrived. The fire originated on the west side of the building in a workshop area and firefighters were able to limit the majority of the damage to this half of the building. "It's probably going to be a total loss," Roloff said. "The building is still there, but there's significant damage throughout the inside." The building – which served as the school at one time – sustained extensive fire, smoke, and water damage, especially in the roof, and is considered to be a total loss. |
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 After an investigation by the insurance company it is believed that the cause of the fire was due to problems with an electrical source in the area. New London firefighters received assistance from Dale, Hortonville, and Fremont fire departments. Firefighters cleared the scene just before 2:30 a.m. on Friday.
The Round Up Hall was a multi-use building housing Rawhide’s training area which was used to train newly hired staff and provide ongoing training for current staff. Training sessions taught staff how to deal with a variety of behavioral issues encountered on a daily basis when working with at risk young men. Starr Academy also made use of the building as part of their art curriculum where students learn how to make pottery projects for their families. The workshop side of the building was used for maintenance and grounds training with the youth and general storage for office and maintenance equipment and supplies. Rawhide will move these various program elements to temporary locations until a new facility is completed.
If you’d like to make a contribution to the rebuilding of the Round Up Hall please use the button below and choose “Round Up Hall Fire Rebuild” from the Donation Area drop down menu. You may also call toll-free 1-888-745-7444 or mail donations to Rawhide Boys Ranch, E7475 Rawhide Road, New London, WI 54961. |
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