ON-AIR SEGMENT: Boonville Fire Department First Assistant Chief Dean Yauger reflects tremendous outpouring of community support as explosion victims begin recovery journey

BOONVILLE- On Friday, February 20, 2026, First Assistant Fire Chief for Boonville Fire Department, Dean Yauger, joined North Country News and reflected on what he calls a "tremendous" and sometimes "overwhelming" response from the community in terms of supporting family and friends in the wake of one of the worst explosions the North Country area has seen in quite some time.

This past Tuesday, the Pastor of Abundant Life Church, along with Boonville's Fire Chief and three firefighters all suffered serious injuries when the church exploded.

Since, the entire North Country community has rallied to show their support. Fire department officials say there have been supporting messages received from all over the state and beyond.

Be sure to listen to our latest on-air coverage here: 

Image by Brian Trainor.