RememberSchiff 3680 Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) Dec 11, 2023 Carter Lodge conference center/library at Hidden Valley (part of 3500 acre Griswold Scout Reservation in NH) was damaged by a two alarm fire. "The cause appears to be accidental, electrical in nature. No one was in the building. There were no injuries to report," Gilmanton Fire Chief Paul Hempel said. Some may recall Carter Lodge was previously the dining hall at Hidden Valley. From Daniel Webster Council Scout Executive Jay Garee: With deep thanks to the many Scouters and friends who have reached out to support the Daniel Webster Council team in the wake of the fire at Carter Lodge last week, I wanted to share an update on what happened and where things stand. At 11:07 am on Monday, December 11th, the Gilmanton Fire Department received a fire alarm activation for Carter Lodge at Hidden Valley. Ranger Bryan Boyajian was notified and quickly arrived on the scene. Upon his arrival, he observed smoke showing from the roof of the center and rear sections of the building, with fire observed through the windows of the Library. A 2nd alarm was transmitted, which summoned mutual fire aid from departments from several surrounding communities. Within the first hour, several members of the Daniel Webster Council Executive Board and Staff had arrived on-site to offer assistance as needed. Thanks to the aggressive efforts of the Gilmanton Fire Department, the main body of the fire was contained to the Library, where the fire apparently originated. The center section of the Lodge received smoke, heat, and water damage, while the Fleetham Room and “Bell side” of the main building received less smoke damage. The exterior frame of the Lodge is mostly intact. The walls and roof survived the fire, with some interior damage to the roof framing. Most of the fire damage was contained to the rear sections of the Lodge in the areas of the Library and center kitchen/bathroom section. We are presently working to assess the Lodge and determine what elements must be either restored or replaced. Once that determination has been made, we will provide an additional update on our plans and a timetable. The building is insured, and we are working with our broker and carrier regarding the claim. We are thankful that there were no injuries as a result of the fire and deeply grateful for the rapid responses of Ranger Boyajian and the Gilmanton Fire Department, along with other camp personnel and local fire departments, to quickly bring the fire under control and prevent any further damage. As previously noted, the remaining Hidden Valley and Camp Bell facilities will continue to be available for Scouting units to use and enjoy while we address the damage to Carter Lodge. Yours in Scouting, Jay Garee Scout Executive & CEO Sources: https://www.facebook.com/GriswoldScoutReservation/ https://www.facebook.com/gilmantonfirefightersassociation/ Other Sources with photos: https://www.concordmonitor.com/Fire-at-Hidden-Valley-Boy-Scout-Camp-in-Gilmanton-53332772 https://seacoastcurrent.com/hidden-valley-scout-camp-fire/ Edited December 30, 2023 by RememberSchiff 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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