Fast-moving fire destroys Easton home

EASTON, Maine — A fast-moving fire Wednesday that destroyed a two-story home on the Station Road owned by Jack and Tonie Shannon was believed to have been started by an overheated woodstove located in the basement.
The fire was reported around 10:15 a.m., with nearly two dozen firefighters from Easton, Presque Isle and Mars Hill responding. Tonie Shannon was home at the time; she and the family’s pets got out safely.
The structure, an older home located across the road from the McCain Foods plant, was deemed a total loss. No injuries were reported.
Donations are being accepted for the family.
“We’ve set up a drop-off point for clothing and donations at the Odd Fellows Hall inside the gazebo. Melissa Corbin is organizing that effort. Anyone wanting more information about what the family needs or about donating can call Melissa at 227-4093,” said Town Manager Jim Gardner. “Jack is one of our firefighters, so this was especially hard on the department, knowing it was the home of one of their own.”
Gardner, a former code enforcement officer, said the fire, which started in the basement, spread quickly through the structure.
“Newer construction includes fire stops between floors in the walls. In this case, empty spaces in the walls served like chimneys, allowing the fire to move quickly from bottom to top,” said Gardner.
Also assisting at the scene were Crown Ambulance, Maine Public Service and Maine State Police. The road was closed for a time to allow fire trucks access to the building.