Fire Destroys Maintenance Building, Kills Two Dogs

Sad news from my friend Chris Sorrell, who recently took the superintendent job at Boiling Springs Golf Course in Woodward, Okla.

Last week a fire destroyed his maintenance facility, and most important to him, killed his two dogs, "Shooter," a 12-year-old schnauzer, and "Boswell," a 2-year-old Border Collie. Sorrell discovered the fire at about 6 p.m., after it was already out of control.

"It's totally awful. I couldn't get anywhere near the door... there was black smoke everywhere. (The dogs) were maybe eight or 10 feet away from me," Sorrell told me today, sadness in his voice. "You know, the whole bloody thing could have burned down if my dogs were just out on the course with me, instead of being trapped inside the shop."

Nearby courses and the local John Deere distributor, PK Equipment, have already lent a hand, donating mowers and a cup cutter. Truth be told, there just aren't many courses in this part of Oklahoma, and Sorrell, being so new to the region, doesn't know many of his fellow superintendents in the region.

"One of the real disadvantages is I've not been involved in the local chapter much, since I've only been out here for two-and-a-half months," Sorrell said. "The timing is terrible. I haven't had time to make many contacts."

If anyone would like to reach out to Chris to lend a hand, he can be reached at 580-216-5408.

Fire destroys maintenance facility at FarmLinks

I just got off the phone with Erle Fairly, president of FarmLinks. He informed me that everyone is fine, no people -- staff or fire fighters -- were injured during Wednesday morning's fire at the maintenance facility at FarmLinks GC in Sylacauga, Ala.

But the maintenance facility -- which housed some of the most cutting-edge equipment in the industry -- is a total loss.

"We believe the fire was started by lightning, we have the fire inspector here today... the fire started during a storm," Fairly told me. "These things are unfortunate, but we'll rally the troops."

Fairly also was thankful for the help of surrounding golf courses.

"This industry is close-nit, there's been no shortage of support. From industry partners, suppliers, superintendents... courses are already lending us equipment."

Photos courtesy of FarmLinks at Pursell Farms.