Fire destroys farmhouse
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A farmhouse located at 50 Ginn Road was destroyed by fire early Saturday morning.
“The fire was reported around 1:01 a.m. Nov. 24. The home was vacant at the time and is a total loss,” said Captain Vince Baldwin, Presque Isle Fire Department.
Baldwin said the owner resides in New Sweden. The home was insured.
“The fire investigator was on site Monday but was unable to determine the cause,” Baldwin said.
City tax records indicate the owners are Pierre A. and Diane M. Planchet of New Sweden. The couple purchased the home in 2007. The home is valued for tax purposes at $16,100.
A total of 17 firefighters and three trucks, including an engine and two tankers, responded from the PIFD. Caribou provided mutual aid by covering the station. Officer Kevin Reed, Presque Isle Police Department, assisted with traffic.
The fire took some time to extinguish, with a newspaper delivery driver reporting a flare-up later that morning.
“I was passing the property when I noticed sparks. I noticed a tree had smoke coming from it and nearby debris was smoldering. I called the PIFD,” said Michael Stone, of Presque Isle, who deliveries the Bangor Daily and The Star-Herald in that area.
Firefighters responded to the call and took care of the hot spots.
