Staff Writer
MAPLETON – A fire the evening of Feb. 14 destroyed a home located at 1668 State Rd. The Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman Fire Department were notified of the fire at approximately 10:45 p.m. and responded to the scene a short time after.
“On arrival, crews found heavy black smoke pouring out of the windows. Crews made a quick attack and had the main body of the fire knocked down within 20 minutes,” said Fire Chief Rich Wark.
According to Wark, no one was home at the time of the fire. The property was reportedly owned by Daniel Dennett but the home was reportedly being rented by an unidentified party.
No injuries were sustained by either civilians or firefighters. A total of 22 firefighters worked to contain the fire.
“Mutual aid was called from Presque Isle for a tanker and a crew, Washburn for an engine and a crew, Crown Ambulance for standby and Maine Public Service to pull the power to the house,” said Wark.
Police were also on the scene providing traffic control and to assist in the investigation. The Fire Marshal’s Office was notified and sent an investigator to the scene.
Wark said it took about two hours to clear the scene.
“Trucks were clear of the scene by 12:30 a.m., with a small crew remaining at the home to assist the fire marshal with processing the scene. The crew was on site until around 2:30 a.m.,” said Wark.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. It was not known if the structure was insured. Attempts by the fire department to contact the people renting the home were unsuccessful following the blaze. The home was determined to be a total loss.
