By Bob Gardinier
The Times-Union
CASTLETON, N.Y. — The Castleton Volunteer Fire Department has been evacuated amid fear that a steep hill behind the fire station is about to collapse.
The heavy rains last week caused a landslide that has buried a basketball court behind the firehouse at 11 Green St.
But officials say there are signs of a second, more severe slide threatening the already weakened hill. They fear it could give way at any time.
''It’s not if the second slide will happen; it’s just a matter of when,’' said Glenn Hebert, village building inspector.
''We are concerned about the second slide because a lot of big trees will come down the hill with it and damage the building.’'
Hebert said that because of the danger, there is nothing officials can do but wait for the hillside to come down.
Meanwhile, the firehouse was evacuated and equipment, including three pumper tankers and an EMS/utility vehicle, was moved to the village public works garage and the Schodack Valley Fire Department. One piece of equipment was sent to East Greenbush, Hebert said.
The department provides fire protection and EMS response for the village of Castleton and the Schodack Protective District and assists its neighbors with mutual aid, officials said.
The site was visited recently by Assemblyman Timothy Gordon, who represents the area.
''I was extremely troubled when I viewed the site of the slope failure that led to the building condemnation of the Castleton Fire House,’' Gordon said in a prepared statement. ''I will do everything I can to help the fire company get back into their quarters or establish a new location so the Castleton Volunteer Fire Department can continue.’
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