ASHLAND, Maine — An early morning fire in Ashland would have claimed the lives of two residents if it weren’t for the quick and brave action of a passerby, according to the local fire chief.
Nancy and Edwin Charette were asleep in their home at 1298 Frenchville Road when someone driving by at about 12:15 a.m. Friday noticed the house was on fire and broke down the door to wake them up and get them out, Ashland Fire Chief Don Bouley said Friday.
“If that wouldn’t have happened, we probably would have two bodies to deal with this morning,” Bouley said.
The fire chief said Friday he was still trying to find out the hero’s name.
It took firefighters from the Ashland Fire Department three hours to battle the blaze, but they did manage to save the home.
Mapleton and Masardis fire departments assisted in putting out the fire.
The American Red Cross has responded and is working with the Charettes to ensure they have food, a safe place to sleep and other essentials. The couple could not be immediately be reached for comment.
The fire is still under investigation.
