Firefighters tackle Chapman brush fire
EAST CHAPMAN, Maine — Improper disposal of lighted materials was determined to be the cause of a brush fire on the Chapman Road late Monday afternoon.
“The Presque Isle Fire Department responded Oct. 13, 2014 to 2160 Chapman Road for a brush fire. The fire affected a total of 6.8 acres,” said Captain Vince Baldwin, of the PIFD.
Despite high winds, firefighters and volunteers were able to bring the blaze under control in a short period of time.
“We were able to contain the fire to the open field and stopped the fire before it reached a barn and the forest line. We received help from the Maine Forest Service, with mutual aid for the Caribou Fire Department to cover our station,” he said.
Baldwin said there were a total of nine firefighters on scene, one forest ranger and several civilians who assisted with putting the fire out. No injuries were reported.
“We had the wind in our favor. We called in a chopper but called it off,” said Bob Adams, one of the nine firefighters who responded to the fire.
Following a short investigation, Baldwin was able to determine the cause of the fire.
“The fire was determined to be caused by improper disposal of lighted materials. The property owner, Mark Brabant, disposed of wood ashes out back on his property. He was given a warning from the forest ranger,” said Baldwin.
