WESTMANLAND, Maine – Fire crews and the quick actions of neighbors prevented flames from damaging the majority of a home at 835 Little Madawaska Lake Road in Westmanland Thursday night.
At 5:54 p.m., 22 firefighters North Lakes Fire & Rescue, Caribou and Stockholm fire departments responded to the fire and found that two neighbors had managed to slow the fire with extinguishers.
Due to the neighbors’ efforts, most of the damage was maintained to an apartment above the garage, said North Lakes Fire Chief Darren Woods.
The fire was caused by a failed extension cord that had been overloaded, Woods said.
Crews were on the scene for two and a half hours. Two people were treated on site for smoke inhalation but did not seek further treatment, Woods said.
“We would like to remind people that when using extension cords you ensure that they are properly rated for what you intend to use it for,” Woods said.
