HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Fire Department battled cold temperature and a stubborn fire in an early-morning blaze Saturday.
According to Houlton Fire Chief Milton Cone, the fire was reported at 4:48 a.m. at 299 McSheffrey Road. The residence is owned by Randy Pryor, who was not living in the building at the time the fire was reported, the chief said.
The building was completely involved upon his department’s arrival. The roof of the two story building had already collapsed from the fire. Nobody was in the building at the time fire broke out, the chief said.
With temperatures hovering below zero, getting water to the scene proved tricky. Because the residence was located in a rural area, firefighters had to truck water about 2.5 miles from North Street, near Walmart.
About 15,000 gallons of water were poured on the home, which was a total loss. Cone said the building was insured.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.
