Town of New Gloucester, Maine
New Gloucester Fire Rescue
| Press Release |
Prepared by: Deputy Chief Hale Fitzgerald
Number of Alarms: All Hands
Incident Commander: Chief Craig Bouchard
Incident Number: 24-NG0405
Incident Date and Time: June 22, 2024 at 8:54 PM
Incident Location: 97 Cobbs Bridge Road
Number of NGFR Apparatus in Response: 4
Number of NGFR personnel in Response: 13
First NGFR unit on scene: NGFR Engine 3
General Incident Description: At 2054hrs, New Gloucester Fire Alarm transmitted a desk box for a reported chimney fire at 97 Cobbs Bridge Road. Engine 2 arrived, and upon further investigation found smoke coming from the gabled end vent. Car 2 arrived shortly after Engine 2 and assumed command. Fire was found burning in an exterior wall near the chimney, resulting in the upgrade of the alarm to the all hands, bringing additional resources to the scene. Car 1 arrived on scene shortly after, and command was passed to Chief Bouchard.
A chainsaw was used to access the space between the studs, and the fire was knocked down with a 1 ¾” handline. Once the fire was knocked down, the crew opened up the exterior wall to check for extension. A crew on the interior performed a primary search, which was negative, and performed salvage and overhaul in a 2nd floor bedroom. Due to a moderate smoke condition, crews opened up to check for extension. Crews then went to the attic space and removed blown in insulation around the void space near the chimney to check for extension.
After it was determined there was no additional fire problem, the building was ventilated and turned back over to the homeowner. Crews returned and were back in service by 2300hrs.
Mutual Aid to the Scene: Auburn Engine 3, Auburn Rescue 3, and Gray Truck 44
Mutual Aid to the Station: North Yarmouth Squad 51 and Pownal Tank 4
Water Supply: Engine 2 with 1000 gallons with booster backup from Tank 1 with 2500 gallons. Auburn Engine 3 positioned to lay out to New Gloucester Engine 3, which established a draft at the dry hydrant on Cobbs Bridge Road at the end of the driveway.
Smoke Detectors Present? Yes
Smoke Detectors Working? No
Sprinkler System Present? No
Sprinkler System Function? N/A
Injuries: None
Factors:Building construction from the 1800s contains void spaces which can make overhaul after a fire difficult.
Cause: Upon investigation, the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.
PSA: Early notification from smoke detectors allows for early notification of the fire department. It also helps save lives. Smoke and CO detectors should be on every floor in common spaces/hallways, and smoke detectors should be present in every bedroom.
