Feds to probe latest blaze in Lincoln Two fires have left about 25 percent of downtown in ruins

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LINCOLN – Two major fires in a four-day span have destroyed about 25 percent of Lincoln’s downtown business district, which town officials say could cost more than $1.1 million to replace.

Maine state fire investigators called in federal investigators Monday to help determine the cause of Sunday’s fire, which destroyed two buildings on Main Street and displaced six businesses. No one was injured. Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms are scheduled to arrive today.

Sgt. Stewart Jacobs, the state fire investigation supervisor, said the cause of the latest fire remains under investigation. The point of origin is believed to be in the basement of the Ayers building, he said.

Investigators conducted a two-hour roadblock both in front of and behind the fire scene beginning at 8 p.m. Monday to gather information from people who normally pass through the area at that time.

Last Thursday, fire destroyed two buildings on Main Street, displacing four businesses and leaving two people homeless. That fire was determined to have been caused by an overloaded extension cord.

Seven state fire investigators assisted by Maine State Police detectives and agents from the federal Crimes Task Force spent much of the day Monday following up on leads and interviewing people while firefighting crews from seven departments worked to extinguish the latest fire, which burned for nearly 18 hours. The fire was reported at 8:40 p.m. Sunday.

Crews worked Monday to pump water out of the Ayers building at 26 through 30 Main St. to make it safe for state fire officials to get inside.

“We have not had the opportunity to get a detailed look at what potential ignition sources there are,” Jacobs said. “We are preparing for the fire scene examination tomorrow. We are applying the resources necessary to try to determine what happened.”

Jacobs said ATF agents had been called to assist because of the size of the loss and to provide backup for state fire investigators, who were stretched to the limit by the two fires.

Although state fire officials have not determined the cause of the latest fire, many residents say they believe it was arson. “Who is next?” said one businessman, who asked not to be identified.

The two fires destroyed four buildings, which housed 10 businesses. The businesses employ about 40 people, according to town officials. Assessor Ruth Birtz said the town lost about 34,000 square feet of Main Street retail space. She said the assessed value of the buildings alone was about $300,000 and estimated it would cost $1,137,200 to replace them at today’s costs.

“This is 25 percent of our Main Street businesses,” said Birtz. “That is substantial for a small community that is a one-industry town. To lose that many businesses and that much space is horrific.”

But it could have been worse.

Firefighters were able to save Moulton’s Gun Shop, an old, three-story, wooden building located about 12 feet away from Sunday’s fire. Had the fire reached Moulton’s building, which contains ammunition, many people feared it could have destroyed or damaged several more Main Street businesses. Norman Moulton, owner of the gun shop, and many others praised the efforts of firefighters. “They did a phenomenal job,” he said.

Firefighters also saved the Timberhouse Restaurant and the American Legion Hall, located on nearby Fleming Street.

Lincoln Fire Chief Bill Lee said fire crews worked hard to protect the nearby buildings. “I’m proud to say they are all still standing,” he said.

“This was too much for one department to handle alone. It was a complete team effort,” said the chief.

As Lee spoke about the tremendous cooperative effort from all the town departments, the hospital and residents, 11-year-old Desiree Lee-Macalino carried in a large chocolate cake to the fire command center.

Meanwhile, building and business owners affected by the latest fire were contemplating their futures Monday.

Eugene Ayer, 72, of Lincoln owned the single-story, concrete building that housed two current businesses – AMB Video and Pratt’s Hodge Podge Shop – and had an agreement to house a third beginning Feb. 1 – Susie Savers, a salvage store. He has insurance. Ayer said he will not rebuild, but will likely sell the lot.

Gordon and Lynn Pratt, owners of Pratt’s Hodge Podge Shop, have insurance, but they don’t plan to go back into business. “I feel worse for the other people than I do for myself,” said Pratt. “It is not our whole livelihood.”

Susan Custis, the owner of the video store, which employs five people, has insurance, but isn’t sure what she will do. “I’d like to say we will rebuild, but with the economy and the uncertainty of the paper mill, I can’t say,” said Custis.

Paul and Brenda Smith, owners of Possibilities, recently had relocated to the Carney building, located farther up the street. Ayer said Susie Savers planned to move into that space. Owners of the new business are working with town officials to find space in which to locate.

Robert Enochs owns the three-level Lake Mall, located at the corner of Main Street and West Broadway. The mall housed the Northeast Occupational Exchange; KFI, a service organization for mentally challenged adults; and the Lincoln Development Corp.

Enochs said he is glad no one was hurt, especially firefighters, who tried to keep the fire from spreading into the mall. “They [firefighters] were lucky to get out. It was pretty hairy,” he said.

Enochs has insurance, but said he won’t be replacing the mall building with one of the same size. “I’m sure I want to do something, but I just don’t have any idea what,” he said. “Something has to be rebuilt there. We can’t leave that big hole on Main Street.”

KFI, a nonprofit organization, had two divisions – community living services and community employment services – in the mall. It employs 13 people. Gail Fanjoy, KFI’s director of development, said the services the agency offers won’t be affected by the fire. “We work out of people’s homes and other locations,” she said. “We have already had offers from the community for temporary and permanent space. The community is really rallying.”

While most governmental offices were closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Lincoln town office was a hub of activity.

“It is the very heart of Lincoln and we want to make it whole again,” said Town Manager Glenn Aho, referring to the downtown district. “We are going to rebuild it. We are going to do everything we can to get us back on our feet and to make Main Street whole.”

Aho spent much of the day contacting members of the congressional delegation along with various state and development officials. He plans to meet with various officials Jan. 28 to find out what financial assistance may be available to businesses and for redevelopment.

The manager said he will be seeking federal funds of about $60,000 to immediately help with downtown clean-up efforts.

“We have a charred, chaotic mess at the end of Main Street,” said Aho. “It is not only an eyesore but also is a public safety hazard.”

Aho said it makes more sense to immediately clean up the mess and level the area than to wait months for insurance claims to clear. He said some businesses may not have the money to clean up.

Aho said he is working with the Town Council on a plan that will be presented to the appropriate state and federal officials in order to help the town get back on its feet. He said everyone he has talked to is willing to help.

On Monday night, Gov. Angus King said via telephone the state had offered Lincoln what help it could, including zero percent financing for rebuilding and Community Development Block Grant funds. “We will redouble our efforts in light of what has happened now,” said the governor.

King said he is getting full analysis from state fire investigators, whom he commended.

“We are going to do everything we can to get to the bottom of it to find out what caused it while at the same time working on rebuilding,” King said. “I believe in the town of Lincoln. Nobody I know up there quits on anything. They are going to rise from this as other communities have across the country that have experienced this kind of tragedy.”

Lincoln Fire Chief Bill Lee (left) and Ed Archer of the state Fire Marshal’s Office talk at the scene of Sunday’s fire in Lincoln. Archer carries possible evidence from the blaze, which destroyed four buildings and displaced six businesses.