5-year anniversary of Sun Prairie explosion, community reflects on deadly blast

NOW: 5-year anniversary of Sun Prairie explosion, community reflects on deadly blast
NEXT:

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Community members are coming together to mark five years since a devastating explosion erupted downtown Sun Prairie.

On July 10th, 2018, the blast destroyed a city block and took the life of fire captain Cory Barr.

At Burn Boot Camp, dozens showed up to sweat and remember the night that changed the community forever. Leading the workout class was Abby Barr, Cory's wife, and owner of Burn Boot Camp.

She held the class on the anniversary to raise money to support the spouses of fallen first responders.

"I'm not the only one affected by it, you know," Barr said. "I lost my forever partner, but it was a traumatic experience for more than just me. I love that people rally around and support each other and show the kindness that we should show all the time."

Five years ago, emergency crews responded to a punctured natural gas line and about 40 minutes later, an explosion occurred that wiped out buildings, killing Barr and injuring several others.

The workout class was a special tribute, Barr said, and an outlet that helps her continue to cope as she raises her twin daughters, now 8 years old, after they lost their father shortly after their third birthday.

"It [Burn Boot Camp] was a huge part of my healing process for everything I've gone through the last five years and everything else I'm going through, because it's never going to go away," Barr said.

The class was one of several events held in Sun Prairie to not only reflect, but to celebrate how far the community has come.

"I think we need to continue to have events like this so people can either mourn the day or celebrate the day, and there's no right or wrong with how you deal with this day," said Sun Prairie Fire Department Fire Chief Christopher Garrison.

In 2020, a memorial was dedicated to Barr and all the fire personnel who responded to the explosion. A street near the fire station was also renamed after Barr.

Share this article: