Preston residents saddened after historical building goes up in flames

PRESTON, Mo. — A fire has destroyed a historical building in a small Hickory County town.

The Preston Fire Department spent the overnight hours battling a fire at the old Preston Elementary School building – which was being used by a company that makes boat lifts.

Zachary Bennett is a volunteer firefighter with the Preston Fire Department but he’s also the lead installer for the company Lotolift. He said of the ten years of fighting fires, last night was a night he will never forget.

“We’re going to we’re going to have a major comeback from this minor setback. And hopefully, this doesn’t change who we are, what we do, what we’re about. We like to leave everything to god, leave it in god’s hands,” said Zachary Bennett.

Around 9:50 last night, Preston firefighters were called to the old school building after it erupted in flames.

Brian Bennett is the Preston Fire Chief but is also Zachary’s dad. He said his team did everything they could to not only save the town’s historical building but also save the place where his son worked.

“That was the objective was just keep pouring water on it, try to give something back where it can come back and rebuild. And the guys in our community still have their jobs. Well, what really hits home is my son works here and my son’s a firefighter,” said Chief Bennett.

Chief Bennett said the town of Preston would miss the building but thankfully no injuries were reported.

“These walls were tough. So, yeah, she fought back hard. You know, the only the funny thing about it is, is it burnt once they rebuilt. So I got tired. At first, she wasn’t going anywhere. So again, yes, we’re Preston strong.” said Chief Bennett.

And Zachary said although he defines this moment as a humbling experience. He intends to keep the business going and he’s thankful for all the firefighters who responded.

“When I call them out, I needed them. They are some of the greatest guys I’ve met in my whole life,” said Bennett.

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