Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A fire Sept. 2 in a duplex at 2 Higgins Rd. resulted in extensive damage to one of the units.
The Presque Isle Fire Department responded to the call at approximately 6:19 p.m. “The tenant in the adjoining unit was home at the time and reported smoke coming into her apartment. She indicated she could hear the smoke alarm going off next door,” said Adam Rider, deputy chief of the PIFD.
The duplex is owned by Kati Bell. Bell resided in one unit with her daughter and rented the other. The fire broke out in Bell’s apartment. No one was home at the time but Rider said one pet perished and another was believed to be missing.
“On arrival, there was quite a bit of smoke coming from Bell’s apartment. The occupant arrived about the same time we did. A dog perished and a cat is unaccounted for,” said Rider.
The fire was believed to have started in the kitchen area.
“After investigation, it looks like the kitchen stove was on. It was an electric stove – that looks to be the probable cause,” said Rider.
Bell had been in the midst of remodeling her apartment, according to Rider, and had items piled on the stove.
“It’s believed something might have fallen to hit a knob or the cat accidentally hit a knob and turned the stove on,” Rider added.
Rider said the home was insured. No injuries were reported as the result of the fire.
“The property was heavily damaged. There’s thousands in damage to Bell’s unit but it probably can be rebuilt. There was minor smoke and water damage to the adjoining apartment,” said Rider.
Bell and her daughter are currently staying with family.
“Both tenants had a place to stay,” noted Rider. “Bell’s staying with her parents.”
Mutual aid was provided by the Mapleton Fire Department.
“Mapleton brought a tanker and a crew to cover the fire station for us,” said Rider.
It took five trucks and a crew of 27 personnel approximately an hour to bring the fire under control.
