By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN, Maine — A man and his daughter are without a home for the holidays, following a fire that heavily damaged their Main Street home early Saturday. “Washburn Fire & Rescue responded to the report of a structure fire at 1191 Main St. at about 3:35 a.m. on Dec. 21. Homeowner Leon Howe, who is in his mid-40s, was home alone when the fire broke out in the basement,” said Chief Troy Heald, of the Washburn Fire Department.
Heald said Howe’s 16-year-old daughter was staying with her mother the night of the fire. The fire chief said Howe noticed smoke in the home and when he went to investigate, he found a fire in the basement.
“When he opened the basement door, he saw smoke and flames. He went upstairs to rescue the family pet, a cat, but when he attempted to exit the structure, the fire prevented him from doing so. He went to the second story and was able to escape through a window,” said Heald.
A neighbor called in to report the fire.
“Crews battled the blaze for about two hours, with Caribou and Mapleton assisting. Crown Ambulance also responded and transported Howe to The Aroostook Medical Center for treatment of minor smoke inhalation,” Heald said.
“The fire was contained to the basement and kitchen area of the home but the home also sustained smoke and water damage. The home is insured,” said Heald, noting the fire displaced the two occupants. “They won’t be able to occupy the house at this time and are awaiting an insurance adjuster to determine the extent of the damage and where to go from here.”
Heald said the structure sustained significant damage. The cause of the fire was deemed to be electrical.
Washburn Firefighter Scott Fitzgerald noted in a Facebook post how difficult covering fires can be, especially this time of year.
“Not a good feeling standing in a house, with flames over your head, and you see a Christmas tree with presents in the next room,” posted Fitzgerald.
Heald said anyone wishing to offer assistance to the family should contact the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross or the Washburn Town Office.
