Freeport man rescued from burning home

FREEPORT – A Freeport man who was rescued by firefighters from his burning home was listed in satisfactory condition Monday at Maine Medical Center.

Firefighters were searching the dwelling when they heard Russell Hall moaning in the basement. They re-entered the home through a bulkhead to get to Hall, who was suffering from hypothermia from water pouring in from above.

Fire Chief Darrell Fournier said Sunday’s frigid weather created problems for fire crews.

“Hose lines were freezing up,” he said. “It was close to zero by the time we secured up there.”

Fournier said the fire started when Hall accidentally set insulation on fire while trying to unfreeze a pipe with a blowtorch. Fournier said the fire quickly spread up the outside wall to the attic and first floor, trapping Hall in the basement.

Hall’s wife and children were not home at the time. The house on True Street was destroyed. Fournier estimated the loss at $150,000.