Firefighters praised for quick response
Photo by Peter Coffin
A VAN was destroyed at an Ashby Road residence on Friday, Sept. 6. Members of the Presque Isle Fire Department responded to a call reporting the fire around 10 a.m. Firefighters are being credited with preventing the blaze from spreading to a nearby residence. Here, firefighters work to extinguish the fire, which was caused by an electrical short.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Firefighters are being credited with preventing a vehicle fire on the Ashby Road Friday from spreading to a nearby home.
“The call came in around 10:02 a.m. on Sept. 6 reporting a car fire at 92 Ashby Road. We responded with three trucks — one engine and two tankers — and six personnel,” said Captain Vince Baldwin, of the Presque Isle Fire Department.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze shortly after arriving.
“The 2006 Ford E150 conversion van, owned by Kenneth Sullivan, was a total loss,” said Baldwin. “The fire was caused by an electrical short. They were cleaning and detailing the engine — trying to start the vehicle — when something happened to the electrical system, which led to the fire.”
No injuries were reported.
Christine Robinson, owner of Critter Hill Kennel, lives across the road and credits the firefighters’ quick response with preventing the fire from spreading.
“They were johnny-on-the-spot. I thought they did a heck of a job. The Presque Isle Fire Department’s response time was amazing. They were unable to save the vehicle but I know I feel safer knowing how quickly they were able to get out here,” said Robinson. “They were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the house which is what really matters.”
Robinson said she was impressed even after the fire was put out, noting firefighters took the time to speak with her about safety around the fire site.
“They were empathetic about Ken’s loss. They also took the time to explain to us about keeping pets out of the foam they’d sprayed,” said Robinson. “I’m grateful we have a full-time department we can truly depend on in an emergency.”
