Staff Writer
On April 19, the Caribou Fire Department responded to a call received at 10:13 a.m. regarding a structure fire on the Station Road in New Sweden.
Twenty-five firefighters from area departments battled a fire at the Bouchard Potato Company in New Sweden on April 19.
According to Caribou Fire Chief Scott Susi, the structure, a wood-framed, metal covered potato packing shed was owned by Rick, Craig and Galen Bouchard of Bouchard Potato Company. Twenty-five firefighters from Caribou, North Lakes Fire and Rescue, Limestone, Presque Isle, Stockholm and Washburn departments assisted at the scene.
Susi stated that firefighters were at the scene for five hours and were able to prevent propane tanks from erupting although there was an explosion caused by a fuel oil tank located near the building. The cause of the fire has not been determined and the fire marshal was notified.
Chief Susi said that the structure, which was a total loss, was insured and confirmed there were some potatoes in the packing shed. Also destroyed in the fire were two bulk body trucks, loaders and forklifts.
There were no injuries sustained during the fire and Susi stated that there had been no flare-ups at the location after firefighters left the area.
