The insurance provider for the Wright City Fire Protection District may not pay for damages to the main firehouse since failure to fix a leaking roof may have led to a mold problem. In an April 21 letter sent to the district from Glatfelter Claims Management Inc., which is handling the matter on behalf of American Alternative Insurance Cooperation, insurance representatives stated damages may not be covered if it's determined to be a result of wear and tear, deterioration or fungus. Also, a failure to provide prompt notice of the incident may be factored in. The fire district did not file a claim last summer when Station 1 began leaking. Instead, officials replaced ceiling tiles and repainted the walls. Also, no efforts were made to dry out the building after the leaking occurred. Fire Chief Ron MacKnight said the mold became noticeable late last year when carpet was replaced and spots were found on ceiling tiles. He noted the building had been prone to water leaks over the years. Fire district officials expect to hear soon whether the insurance company will pay for some of the damage. The district's board of directors is expected this Thursday to review bids from three industrial hygienists for a remediation plan to determine how to fix the facility. The mold problem has forced the closure of a portion of the station resulting in firefighters having to temporarily sleep elsewhere. The meeting room and bunk area remained sealed off to fire district employees after ServePro discovered a bigger mold problem than initially expected while removing insulation and drywall from both rooms. "We were extremely concerned with the staff's well-being," MacKnight said. "That is why we took prompt action to get them out. It's like an ongoing saga. It's a long process with the insurance company." According to a representative of John Beal Inc., a roofing company, wind damage to the metal roof sheeting caused some of it to loosen and the wind drove rain into the openings. Since the leak led to the mold, the insurer will likely not pay any damage to the structure caused by mold. The mold test, conducted Feb. 15 by O'Fallon-based ABH Solutions, confirmed the mold presence. According to the report, a moderate amount of aspergillus/penicillium and a light amount of cladosporium was found in the bunk area. In the chief's office, a moderate amount of stachybotrys and a small amount of aspergillus/penicillium were located. A third sample taken, in the bay area, had a moderate amount of cladosporium. MacKnight, Assistant Fire Chief Todd Van Zuyen and administrative assistant Melissa Sherman remain at Station 11. The mold has not led to any health issues, but the relocation of the firefighters was made because of the lack of bunk space once the sleeping area at Station 1 was torn up, officials said. The evening shift firefighters now have a makeshift bedroom at Station 3, located several miles north of Wright City on Highway WW. The daytime crew remains at Station 1 in the bay area until the overnight crews take over at 4 p.m.