Fire damages Lincoln Street home
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A fire April 23 caused considerable damage to a home at 16 Lincoln St.
The Presque Isle Fire Department was notified and responded around 5:05 p.m. to a fire at the residence of Richard and Mallory Lopez.
“No one but the father was home when the fire started. The wife and two children weren’t present,” said Vince Baldwin, a firefighter with the PIFD.
Baldwin said about 25 full-time and volunteer firefighters went to the scene.
“The fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes and firefighters cleared the scene about 6:40 p.m.,” he said.
The Fire Marshal’s Office was notified.
“A few firefighters remained at the scene until about 10:30 p.m., assisting the fire marshal with the investigation, which is ongoing. At this time, the cause of the fire remains undetermined,” said Baldwin, noting the main body of the fire appears to have started in the basement stairwell.
No injuries were reported and the family pets were also saved.
“The fire damage was contained to the kitchen and basement stairwell. There was smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the house,” said Baldwin.
Baldwin said the house is currently in unlivable condition and will require thousands of dollars in repairs.
“The family has been staying with family. The Red Cross was contacted to help them with food and clothing,” said Baldwin.
The home was insured.
