Staff Writer
BRIDGEWATER – What could have ended in tragedy for a local family turned into a heart-warming tale when firefighters and volunteers saved a home from being consumed by fire on Nov. 28.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
VOLUNTEERS turned what could have been a family tragedy this holiday season into a heartwarming story of friends, family and strangers coming together on a rebuilding project, following a fire at Arlo Johnson’s Corner Road home in Bridgewater Nov. 28. The fire destroyed the garage and damage a portion of the home, but thanks to the generous donation of their time and labor, volunteers had the garage back up in no time and the home back in shape in a matter of days. Here, Kale Jantzen, at left, and Dan Livesey, at right help reconstruct the family’s garage.
Arlo Johnson’s family went to bed Tuesday evening, Nov. 27, at their Corner Road residence, not realizing they’d awake a few hours later to find their garage on fire. By 2:12 a.m. the family was alerted to the danger by a smoke detector.
“We woke up to the alarm going off. We called the Bridgewater Fire Department at 2:12 a.m.,” said Carol Johnson.
“They arrived eight minutes later, at 2:20 a.m. They did a phenomenal job getting here,” said her husband, Arlo Johnson.
The Johnsons agreed that if the firefighters had arrived just a few minutes later, the fire would have claimed the house as well.
“When the smoke alarm woke us up, it gave us time to get the car out of the garage,” said Arlo.
“Then we started hauling stuff out of the house,” added Carol.
Firefighters weren’t able to save the garage but managed to limit damage to the home to the wall adjoining the garage.
By the next day, volunteers began the task of removing the debris as family members made plans to return home to help the Johnsons.
“Clifford Duff, our neighbor, came with a log truck and crane. He removed the burnt garage for us,” said Carol. “The same day of the fire, we had the walls up 16 hours later.”
By Thursday, Nov. 29, Arlo said the roof was up.
“The metal roof was on 40 hours after the fire,” he said.
A group of ladies joined in the cleanup, helping Carol clean the house.
“The ladies came in and took over. They took out all the dishes and washed them, washed the walls. They wouldn’t let me do a thing,” said Carol.
Local businesses continued the generosity, donating food for the family and clean-up crews.
“PPJ’s and The Country Bakery, both up the road, donated food. Anonymous donors contributed to the clean-up effort,” Carol said. “People brought in the meals. Our children flew up from Mississippi to help.”
At first, the children weren’t sure they’d be able to afford the flight to Maine but at the last minute the group got a good deal on tickets.
“Seven of our family flew up from Mississippi. Thanks to a prayer, they got reduced-rate tickets. At first they were quoted $800 a ticket, then they called a again a little later and were told it would cost $250 a ticket,” said Carol.
By Wednesday evening, rugs and upholstery had been shampooed, according to Carol.
If it weren’t for the fast response of the fire department, the home would have been lost, said Arlo.
“Thanks to the fast action of the fire department, we still have a house,” said Arlo.
“It was so windy, we weren’t sure they could save the house. But they did and we’re thankful,” added Carol.
By Saturday, Dec. 1, volunteers had the garage walls up, roof on and were working on the interior of the structure. The Johnsons expected the work to be completed within a week.
“We were able to get the materials we needed to do the reconstruction, thanks to Rathbun Lumber Company and Aroostook Trusses making such quick deliveries. We really appreciate their helping us out like they did,” said Arlo.
The two companies, both based in Presque Isle, had construction materials on the job site just a few hours after the initial fire destroyed the family’s garage.
Volunteers said they were happy to help the family. Jay Livesey, his son, Dan Livesey, and Kale Jantzen were on hand Dec. 1, helping complete the garage. The men were just three of several individuals who turned out for the rebuilding project.
“Arlo’s done so much for others. We wanted to return the favor,” said Jay Livesey. “It’s part of our faith to care for one another.”
With the holiday season here, the Johnson family’s story serves as proof that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Aroostook County.
“We should have everything done – finished, including painting, long before Christmas,” said Carol. “We’re blessed to live in a community with such good people. We appreciate all they’ve done for us.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
NICOLE JOHNSON, of Mississippi, granddaughter of Carol and Arlo Johnson, of Bridgewater, enjoyed her first experience with snow when her family came to Maine following a fire at her grandparents’ home Nov. 28. Cold temperatures didn’t hamper her excitement, as she made several trips outside bundled up in pink, returning inside on occasion to share snowballs she created with family members.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MEASURING UP – A family’s willingness to help others was one of the reasons Jay Livesey volunteered his time to help rebuild a garage and repair a home for the Johnson family on the Corner Road in Bridgewater, following a Nov. 28 fire.
