CASTLE HILL, Maine — A Castle Hill house fire of undetermined cause resulted in severe damage and the death of a dog on Friday morning.
Firefighters responded to the fire at 106 McDonald Road in Castle Hill at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Friday, said Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman Fire Department Capt. Robby Gross.
A passerby reported the fire at the single-story ranch house, owned by Steve Brazier, to authorities. Brazier was working when the flames were called in.
According to Gross, when firefighters arrived, they found a house fully covered in flames with a partially collapsed roof. Firefighters were quickly able to subdue the fire and then focused their efforts on salvaging the building.
Gross described the firefighting operation as a success, as they were able to quickly extinguish the flame and prevent further injuries. But he said that because of the extensive damage that occurred before they arrived, the structure was a “total loss.”
“It had a quick start when we arrived. Part of the roof was collapsed,” Gross said. “There wasn’t a huge amount that we could do.”
The firefighting operation lasted approximately four hours and involved 15 firefighters. Participating along with those from the Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman Fire Department, were members of the Washburn, Presque Isle and Ashland fire departments.
Gross said that the cause of the fire was still undetermined. From what he knew of the investigation, which was being handled by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s office, he said the extensive damage seemed to make it impossible for authorities to put an exact cause to the start of the flames.
James Baillargeon, who lives next door to Brazier’s house, said he reported the fire to authorities.
Baillargeon said he left his house around 9:30 a.m. to go grocery shopping when he noticed something amiss with Brazier’s residence.
“I noticed there was a lot of smoke coming from his house,” he said.
Baaillargeon wasn’t sure if it was a fire, so he drove into the driveway to inspect. That’s when he noticed flames coming out the side of the building shooting out “probably 3 feet.” He immediately called 911 to report the fire.
Baillargeon was able to reach Brazier, who had not yet heard of the fire.
“He said, ‘Thanks a lot. I’ll be on my way’,” Baillargeon said.
Baillargeon said when he went to the residence on Saturday morning to see if he could help, he saw Brazier’s two sons picking through the house’s content.
“I think any citizen would have called it in,” he said. “I just can’t imagine anyone letting someone’s house burn.”
Baillargeon said Brazier’s children had told him their father had a plan for his future living situation, but did not want to elaborate for privacy reasons.
Gross said Brazier’s house was fully insured.
