Next steps after Silver Bluff blaze still being hashed out
A concession stand at Silver Bluff High School caught on fire Friday night during a football game. The fire started accidentally, when oil in one of the deep fryers exceeded normal operating temperatures.
While the blaze was quickly extinguished and no one was injured, the building was likely damaged beyond repair.
"It will probably be easier to gut and rebuild the structure than to try to salvage it," Kevin Lancaster, Silver Bluff Fire Department assistant chief and public information officer, said Friday night.
Because of the damage, there are some longer-lasting impacts still being hashed out. Among the issues are decisions surrounding rebuilding the concession stand and the problems caused by its absence.
According to school officials, the concession stand will definitely be replaced. They are trying to determine when a new structure will be built and weighing potential short-term solutions.
"We're meeting Thursday morning with the insurance adjuster," said Dr. Randy Stowe, assistant superintendent of Area 5. "We will try to figure out temporary measures. We will have a concession stand."
There is urgency to replace the structure, according to officials.
The concession stand was the primary source of revenue for the Silver Bluff High School band, the Silver Spirit. Without funding generated from concession stand sales, the band won't be able to participate in statewide competitions. This would be a significant blow to the community because the Silver Spirit is a four-time state champion.
"It was a major fundraiser for them," Stowe said of the need to replace the concession stand, even temporarily.
Silver Bluff High School Principal Todd Bornscheuer agreed.
"Our biggest concern is to support the band program," he said.
Tents and tables will be used as an interim replacement concession stand - beginning at the Bulldogs' next home game on Sept. 18 against Midland Valley. Additionally, the entrance that was located next to the concession stand has been moved.
It's expected popular items like soft drinks, candy and nachos will be served from the temporary setup. Hamburgers will also be available because they've always been cooked on a grill separate from the concession stand.
Bornscheuer submitted a proposal to the district seeking interim funding for the temporary concession stand. The money would be used for a storage shed, an ice maker and a freezer among other odds and ends.
At question is when a permanent concession stand will be built. Stowe said no decisions will be made until meeting with the insurance company. He indicated the likely timetable for a permanent concession stand to be operating is prior to the first game of the 2010 football season.
Bornscheuer said construction would begin, "At the very earliest, in late spring."
Money could be a factor in delaying construction of a new concession stand. Insurance will cover the expense of a new building but an assessment must be made to determine if any of the cooking apparatuses are salvageable.
"They're trying to decide on demolition. Can we utilize any of the current building?" Stowe said. "I'm sure it'll be next year (that) it will be rebuilt."
Not everyone wants to wait that long. Bert Ellis, owner of Olde South Realty and a Silver Bluff graduate, is trying to get a new concession stand built this season to help the band.
"They're an integral part of the school program," Ellis said. "We need to raise as much money to get that back going again."
Ellis is trying to find out what the specifications would be for a new concession stand. He's approached builders for his realty company about the potential construction.
"My goal is to get a concession stand built for this season," said Ellis, who added he's willing to make a donation to the band to help raise funds if a new concession stand isn't built this season. "Anything we can do to help them, that's what we're here to do."
For those wishing to make donations, Bornscheuer said it would be better to make them to the band's booster club, rather than the school. The best way to contact the booster club is through band leader Kristin Brown, who can be reached at the school at 652-8100.
Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.