PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Fire Chief Darrell White confirmed yesterday that a Presque Isle man has died from injuries sustained when his residence caught fire on Edgemont Drive, across the road from Northern Maine Community College at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Friday, April 7.
According to Chief White, the victim was 60-year-old James Coolidge. The other occupant, Donna Boodoo, was injured in the blaze. Information on her condition was not available.
The duplex, located at 28 Edgemont Drive, went up in flames Friday afternoon. The fire spread to the adjoining apartment at 30 Edgemont Drive, the home of John McNally.
After Presque Isle Fire Department arrived on scene they learned Coolidge was still inside the burning home. Firefighters found him trapped in a hallway and quickly brought him outside, according to Chief White. The chief added that Donna Boodoo had made it outside when crews arrived, but her medical status was unknown.
Crown Ambulance rushed both victims to TAMC.
Neighbor McNally on his way to Bangor when he received the call about the fire. He returned home immediately to find his dog safe, but the fire destroyed his possessions. Both apartments were a total loss.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office.
