Fire claims Caron Street home
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A local couple and their dog escaped a fire that claimed their home on Caron Street on Feb. 10, 2015.
“The Presque Isle Fire Department responded to 22 Caron St. for a structure fire on Feb. 10 at approximately 11:15 p.m. The home was a trailer. The trailer and its contents were a complete loss,” said Captain Vince Baldwin, of the PIFD.
Baldwin said the property was owned by Greg McLaughlin, Jr.
“There were two people in the home and one dog. Everyone got out of the home safely,” he said.
Baldwin indicated the origin of the fire was a wood stove in the home.
The PIFD responded with two engines, one ladder truck, one tanker and a crew of 15 firefighters.
“We received mutual aid from Caribou Fire Department to cover our station with one engine and a crew,” he said.
The home was not insured and the Red Cross was contacted to help the family. Baldwin said the displaced couple will be staying with family members.
“We would like to emphasize that the occupants were alerted by working smoke detectors, which gave them time to get out of the home,” said Baldwin.
McLaughlin’s brother, Chip Hafford, and other family members are working to help the couple get back on their feet.
“Greg and his girlfriend, Danielle, woke up to the fire alarm going off and struggled to get through the house with only the clothes they had on while sleeping. The home is a total loss,” said Hafford, noting that an addition was being built onto the home and that until that was completed, the couple could not acquire insurance.
“We’re asking for the community’s help with donations. We’re currently setting up donation jars throughout town and setting up an account to donate to,” said Hafford. Plans are being made to present the couple with the proceeds at a future event — possibly a spaghetti dinner.
“Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are going to at least find a mobile home to replace the home they lost. It’s a long shot, but I know with support from everyone who can help, we can make it easier for Greg and Danielle to have a place to call home,” said Hafford in a Facebook page post.
McLaughlin’s mother and stepfather, Janice and Norman Currier, also used Facebook to ask for help for their son.
“I don’t usually ask for anyone for help, but on Tuesday our son’s trailer caught fire around 11 p.m. and he got out with barely the socks on his feet, his girlfriend and their dog. With no insurance, if anyone can help him, please send to: Greg McLaughlin, 24 Caron St., Presque Isle, ME 07469,” read the Curriers’ post.
