Propane heater blamed in construction site fire

BANGOR — A construction site underneath the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge adjacent to the U-Haul Co. on Summer Street caught fire Saturday morning when one of the propane heaters used to cure the cement on the pylons ignited wood, scaffolding and generator wires.

The bridge was not damaged, according to Assistant Chief Frank Dinsmore of the Bangor Fire Department, who said a passer-by called in the fire at 9:51 a.m. and that it was under control within a few minutes.

Dinsmore said 11 firefighters, two engines and a rescue truck responded because of the potential volatility of the fire.

“Whenever propane is involved, we need to take special precautions because of its explosive capabilities,” he said, adding that it is “not uncommon” for his department to get calls about heater accidents at construction sites.