CARIBOU, Maine — Strong winds coupled with a loose power line led to a fire that caused substantial damage to a home at 568 Fort Road in Caribou on Monday.
Caribou Fire Chief Scott Susi said the “power line that went into the meter wasn’t attached securely,” and that high winds pulled it loose and it burned a hole through the outside of the house that went up “to the rafters.” Susi added that wind “absolutely” was a factor in causing the fire that was called in at 3:10 p.m.
Caribou Fire and Ambulance was assisted by Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, and Limestone Fire Departments and were on the scene for four hours before the fire was extinguished. Initially, firefighters went inside to fight the fire, but had to work outside after the wind picked up fanning the flames.
Caribou Fire and Ambulance crews are assisted by members of the Limestone, Presque Isle, and Fort Fairfield fire departments in battling a fire Monday at 568 Fort Road in Caribou. Caribou Fire Chief Scott Susi said high winds, combined with a poorly secured power line, led to the fire, which firefighters were able to extinguish in about four hours. (Courtesy/Caribou Fire and Ambulance)
“Water is always a factor [when fighting fires],” Susi said, “and we were never short. We had really good people helping us out.”
The chief said the homeowner, who was not insured, was working on the house, but not living there at the time of the fire.
After hours of fighting the fire and dealing with wind, firefighters were able to save one half of the house, Susi said.
“I wouldn’t consider it a total loss,” he said. “There’s considerable damage, but all of his possessions could probably be saved, which is a good thing.”
The fire is not under investigation, since firefighters were able to determine that the unsecured power line, combined with the wind, caused it.
“The wind made everything twice as hard to do,” Susi said. “It works against you all the time.”
