YMCA Restores Facility After Electrical Fire in Barren County

A Sept. 30 electrical fire at the Barren County Family YMCA in Glasgow, Kentucky damaged the cardio room and forced cleanup operations as the organization worked to reopen services safely after smoke and contaminants spread through the building.

According to WBKO, the fire was contained quickly, but burned plastic released potentially dangerous fumes and contaminants. The YMCA prioritized cleaning affected surfaces before allowing members to return.

YMCA CEO and Executive Director Tara Bailey explained that extensive cleaning delayed reopening after smoke moved beyond the original fire area.

"Literally, clean every surface that was affected. So that’s why it’s taking so many days. Even though the fire itself was contained to one area, it’s just the spreading of the smoke and the contaminants throughout the building," said Tara Bailey, CEO and Executive Director.

Bailey said the YMCA planned to resume normal business hours on Thursday, Oct. 8, while some spaces remained closed for additional restoration.

"So we do hope to be open normal business hours on Thursday. Some areas will still be closed like our small gym, big gym and of course the cardio room where the fire happened will actually be closed for several weeks. That equipment will more than likely have to be replaced and new equipment in," said Tara Bailey, CEO and Executive Director.

The YMCA also kept some programs running during the closure. Senior meals continued as takeout services, child care remained open in a separate section, and fitness classes moved to First Christian Church at 110 North Race Street.

General Manager at Sky Restoration DKI B.J. Strock described the cleanup process needed after plastic materials burned inside the facility.

"It releases vocs into the air, a bunch of particulates into the air, carcinogens. So that is why the air scrubbers are in here, because it actually captures that, and it removes it," said B.J. Strock, General Manager at Sky Restoration DKI.

Strock said removing residue from surfaces was necessary to prevent contaminants from being disturbed after cleanup.

"That’s why we have to wipe down all the surfaces because there’s particulates and vocs on all the surfaces, which could be stirred up later when you go over and brush against it or dust it or kids are playing. So we have to eliminate all of that in order to create a safe atmosphere," said B.J. Strock, General Manager at Sky Restoration DKI.

Community members used temporary options while the YMCA restored its facility. Member Tootie Bishop said the organization had become part of her regular routine and health efforts.

"I look at it like a job, like a punch, a time clock. I go Monday through Friday," said Tootie Bishop.

Bishop said she spends about three hours a day at the YMCA and credited the organization with supporting her recovery after a severe heart attack.

"The Y has been a life saver for me," said Tootie Bishop.

YMCA officials said outside organizations helped members maintain access to exercise opportunities during the closure. Extreme Fitness provided free equipment access, while First Christian Church hosted relocated classes.

"Everyone has a different journey, and they come there for different reasons. A lot of reasons are for mental health," said Tara Bailey, CEO and Executive Director.

Bailey said interruptions can affect members who rely on YMCA programs for physical and mental well-being. Fitness instructor Elizabeth Shoemaker said senior members continued attending relocated classes.

"Well, look at them. Look how many showed up for the senior class. These are our biggest classes at the Y. We can always depend on our seniors to show up," said Elizabeth Shoemaker, fitness instructor.

Shoemaker's class continued at First Christian Church while members waited for parts of the YMCA to reopen. Bishop said the temporary arrangement helped preserve familiar routines.

"I’m so happy that they opened their doors and welcomed us. It means a lot," said Tootie Bishop.

Bishop said the community response reflected Glasgow residents' willingness to support one another during emergencies.

"Our community’s known for that. They’ve always stepped up and helped when there was a crisis," said Tootie Bishop.

The YMCA partially reopened on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the cardio room and other areas remaining closed for continued cleaning and restoration.