Fair investigation continues to be delayed due to weather

The Board of Directors for the Great Darke County Fair are issuing this press release to update the public on the status of the ongoing fire investigation taking place involving the 60' by 240' Beef Palace; the 60' by 240' Dairy Palace; the 50’ by 50’ connector and the 12’ by 20’ Cattle Office.

An all interested party’s scene examination took place on the morning of February 5th, 2014. This scene examination had fire investigators present that represent the insurance carriers both for the building and items located within the building that were lost in the fire that occurred on Friday, December, 27, 2013.

It is the conclusion of these experienced investigators representing their respective clients that at the present time and given the inclement weather conditions present since the day of the fire, that the scene cannot be examined due to the snow load and frozen conditions present at the site without damaging anything that could be considered as a possible causation of the fire. Notifications are being sent out to other various possible interested parties with respect to examining the area.

The Fair Board wants to assure the public that the investigation will be completed as expediently as possible when the environmental conditions (thawing of the area) will allow the investigation to move forward. Weather patterns will be closely monitored and if a window opens and thawing occurs investigators will be back at the scene to complete their task at hand.

The Fair Board has been instructed that bids for the demolition of the damaged structure can move forward in the very near future with the contingency of the date the affected areas will be released from further investigation.

The Board of Directors of the Great Darke County Fair are asking for your patience, understanding, and support as we move forward to ensure due process is adhered to with respect to the investigation of the affected fire areas.