PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A short in electrical equipment was blamed for a fire at a Washburn Road residence on Dec. 11.
“We received the call around 9:45 a.m. that there was a fire at 54 Washburn Road, at a trailer owned by Dale and Debbie Day. Upon arrival firefighters were able to determine it was a short in an electrical tape beneath the trailer,” said Captain Vince Baldwin, of the Presque Isle Fire Department. “We were able to get there within minutes of the call, which enabled us to prevent the fire from spreading.”
Quick response from firefighters kept the fire from spreading to the rest of the trailer. Baldwin indicated some insulation beneath the trailer was damaged but the home was saved.
“Tom Berube (owner of Gil’s Sanitation, across the road from the residence) had one of his crew bring his skidder over to remove snow at the base of the trailer, which allowed firefighters access to the fire. The trailer sustained minor smoke damage, but the family was able to get back into the home later that morning,” Baldwin said. “Some electrical and plumbing work will need to be done, but the home was otherwise undamaged.”
Baldwin said a total of five vehicles — fire trucks and an ambulance — and 13 firefighters responded from the PIFD. Emera Maine also assisted in turning off power to the home.
“This time of year, we hate to see fires, especially at residences. Fortunately, this family’s Christmas was saved. This could have been a lot worse,” said Baldwin.
