Staff Writer
The Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department responded to a call received at 11:42 p.m. on March 24, regarding to a structure fire at 719 River Road in Caribou. Upon arrival firefighters found the two-story home, belonging to Doris Gagnon, fully involved. According to Caribou Fire Chief Roy Woods, the fire started as a result of hot ashes being dumped into a trash can in the kitchen of the home. “Mrs. Gagnon was awakened by smoke detectors (which she had only the day before replaced the batteries) went downstairs and discovered kitchen in flames. She was able to get out of the house safely.”
Firefighters battled the blaze, which had traveled from its origin, involving kitchen cupboards, then traveled into the walls continuing into the attic, until 4:15 a.m.
“Our men were dealing with very high winds that evening, cold temperatures and a poor water supply combined with a very narrow one-car-wide driveway, which was very soft. We were sinking every where,” said Chief Woods.
A total of 25 personnel from the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department were at the scene using four trucks. Chief Woods stated that 20,000 gallons of water were used to fight the structure flames. Woods also said there were no injuries and mutual aid was given by the Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle Fire Departments.
A walkway and a garage, attached to the property were saved but the home, which was insured, was a total loss.
Chief Woods estimated the loss of the home and contents to be $100,000.
