Faulty lawnmower blamed for fire
FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE MAPLETON BLAZE — The Mapleton Fire Department was called to a structure fire at the home of Robert Dubay on the Grendell Road in Mapleton the afternoon of Aug. 5.
The fire was believed to have been caused by a problem with a lawnmower stored in an adjacent shed. Here, Mapleton’s Deputy Fire Chief Adam Rider looks on as firefighters work to knock down flames along the side of the house where the shed was located.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MAPLETON — Fire officials believe a fire that caused considerable damage to a Grendell Road home on Aug. 5 was caused when a lawnmower stored in an attached shed caught fire.
The Mapleton Fire Department responded to a call around 2:30 p.m. Friday to find the home of Robert Dubay ablaze.
“I’d just finished mowing — was sitting inside with my friend and heard a bang. The first thought that came to mind was the ice maker on my refrigerator; it always makes a lot of noise,” said Dubay.
Upon further investigation, Dubay discovered his lawnmower on fire.
“My riding mower blew up. It’s a Craftsman — over five years old,” he said. “I’d been considering buying a new one.”
The homeowner watched as firefighters tackled the fire.
“This was my dream home. When I saw the lot, I told the realtor I had to have it. I’ve lived here about six years,” Dubay said, noting there were so many things he could not retrieve when the fire broke out.
“There are so many things (inside) that can’t be replaced — photos, baby pictures, computer equipment. I hope to be able to salvage something,” said Dubay.
Firefighters from Mapleton, assisted by crews from Ashland, Washburn and Presque Isle, worked to extinguish the fire at the back of the home, hoping to save at least some of Dubay’s possessions in the front rooms of the house. Beginning in the shed with the lawnmower, the fire quickly spread to the adjacent kitchen area, then to the second story.
Although Dubay and his friend got out safely, he only had time to call the fire department and get his car out of the garage.
“I got the car out of the garage as I was hitting 9-1-1 on my phone. They were here in a matter of minutes. I couldn’t believe how fast the fire spread,” said Dubay, sitting on his freshly-mowed lawn as he watched in disbelief as firefighters fought to keep the fire from claiming the entire structure.
The home, which was insured, sustained extensive damage as the result of the fire.
Dubay said he plans to start over at the same location.
“I love this property. What else can I do but start over?” said Dubay.
Crown Ambulance and the Maine State Police also assisted provided assistance at the scene.
