Friday fire destroys garage

WASHBURN, Maine — A fire Friday afternoon at a residence on the Washburn Road destroyed a garage and caused minor damage to a nearby home.
“Washburn Fire & Rescue responded at 2:25 p.m. to the report of a structure fire at 4 Washburn Rd. Crews arrived on scene to find a garage fully engulfed in flames,” said Troy Heald, chaplain and spokesperson for the Washburn Fire Department.
Town records indicate the property, located on the town line between Washburn and Presque Isle, is owned by Lacey Lynn Robbins.
According to Chief Nate Allen, the owner was working on a vehicle in the garage when hot metal came in contact with gasoline and ignited. The occupant was able to get out without injury.
The garage is a total loss. A home just a few feet away from the garage sustained minor damage to the exterior, as the blaze melted the siding.
Officer Kevin Schumacher, of the Presque Isle Police Department, was the first emergency responder on scene. He said thick, black smoke could be seen from North Main Street in Presque Isle about four miles away.
Washburn Police Chief Roy Guidry controlled traffic, while crews from the Washburn, Presque Isle and Mapleton fire departments battled the fire. Crown Ambulance also responded to the call. Crews cleared the scene at approximately 5 p.m.