By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Firefighters in Fort Fairfield were busy last week responding to two electrical fires over a three-day period, beginning Nov. 19. “On Nov. 19 at approximately 5:54 p.m., the Fort Fairfield Fire Department was dispatched to 139 Old East Rd. for an electrical fire in a residence. Upon arrival, crews found an electrical fire in the ceiling of the residence,” said Jesse Bell, a lieutenant with the FFFD.
The power was secured and firefighters were able to get the fire knocked down.
“The cause of the fire was electrical in nature. A total of 16 firefighters responded to the fire and crews were on scene for about two hours. The home is owned by Bob Clark,” said Bell.
Firefighters were called back to the residence the next morning.
“Around 7:17 a.m. on Nov. 20 the FFFD was called back to the scene of the earlier fire. Crews quickly extinguished a minor rekindle and the electrical meter was pulled from the home. Nine firefighters responded to the scene and crews remained on site for about two hours,” Bell said.
On Thursday firefighters were called to a fire at a Main Street structure.
“Around 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 21 the FFFD was dispatched to 139 Main St. for an electrical fire in a residence. Crews first to arrive found smoke showing from the exterior of the home on some electrical wiring and smoke in the basement. Crews found fire in the basement originating from the electrical panel and wiring extending across the ceiling of the basement,” said Bell.
A Maine Public Service crew secured the power.
“The fire was extinguished and our crew aggressively overhauled the fire area which had begun to extend to the first floor,” said Bell.
Twelve firefighters from Fort responded, joined by six firefighters from Caribou.
“This property was a rental and, after the fire, the occupants were assisted by the American Red Cross,” said Bell.
Bell did not specify the extent of damage to either property. No injuries were reported as a result of either fire.
