Fire destroys Parsons Rd. home
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
FIREFIGHTERS FROM THREE COMMUNITIES tackled a fire at the Parsons Road home of Sam and Cheryl Ouellette on Oct. 5.
Strong wind gusts made it difficult to battle the blaze that eventually destroyed the structure. The fire is believed to have started in the basement and quickly spread to the living quarters.
PRESQUE ISLE — A family of three is homeless following a fire Wednesday night that destroyed their two-story house located at 445 Parsons Road.
The homeowners were able to contact the Presque Isle Fire Department to report the blaze prior to evacuating around 6:34 p.m. on Oct. 5. The home, owned by Sam and Cheryl Ouellette, was fully engulfed when crews arrived.
“We arrived on scene around 6:43 p.m. All got out safely, although the husband and one firefighter were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation,” said Deputy Chief Adam Rider, PIFD.
The couple and their son lost everything in the fire.
“It happened so fast. We got out and were able to get our pets out, but we lost everything” said Cheryl Ouellette, as she watched in disbelief in her driveway as firefighters from three communities struggled to bring the blaze under control.
The couple was in the living area of the home when the fire broke out.
“It started in the basement. By the time we realized something was wrong, we only had a few minutes to get out,” said Sam Ouellette. “We don’t know what started it.”
Firefighters, contending with strong wind gusts, were on scene until around 11:30 p.m. trying to extinguish the fire.
“When we first got there, we did a pretty aggressive fire attack but were unable to control it, so we changed to a defensive operation and fought from outside the structure,” said Rider. “The wind didn’t help much.”
He said due to the site of origin, the fire was already well under way before the homeowners were aware there was a problem.
“Starting in the basement gave it a start before the homeowners were aware of it themselves. Luckily, everyone got out. If it had occurred later, they’d have been asleep. It would have had an entirely different and possibly more tragic ending,” said the deputy chief.
Rider said the fire marshal was on site the next day trying to determine the cause.
“A member of the fire marshal’s office was up to investigate the incident. It’s believed the fire started in the basement but the cause is considered undetermined,” said Rider.
The PIFD had a total of 26 personnel and four units at the scene, with mutual aid in the form of crews and equipment from Mapleton and Washburn fire departments.
“A crew from Caribou Fire Department also stood by for station coverage,” he said.
The Presque Isle Police Department provided traffic control and Crown Ambulance also assisted at the scene.
Despite firefighters’ efforts, the home was deemed a total loss.
With Fire Prevention Week upon us, Rider reminds property owners to be prepared.
“We want to remind people to having working smoke detectors. People should also practice fire escape plans regularly, so everyone knows how to escape a fire and where to meet once out of the building,” said Rider.
Rider said the family is currently staying with friends and family. Donations, including clothing — women’s size 18 and men’s sizes small and extra large — are being accepted at Ron Farley’s residence, 8 Center St., Presque Isle.
