DOVER-FOXCROFT – A refusal by Milo firefighters to respond to any future fires at an Orneville mobile home prompted Piscataquis County commissioners this week to start condemnation proceedings.

Milo firefighters, who are contracted by the county to provide fire protection services to the unorganized territory, were faced with unsafe conditions when they responded to a fire at Lyda Koslouski’s home two weeks ago.

Firefighters found several discarded propane tanks inside the dwelling and other debris that made it difficult and unsafe for them to maneuver, according to Milo Town Manager Jane Jones.

Jones told commissioners earlier that her fire department would not respond to Koslouski’s home for any future fires under the present conditions.

Eben DeWitt, chairman of the panel, said this week that he had visited the young woman’s home and found it to be a “hazardous situation.” He said the yard was littered with junk vehicles and debris.

DeWitt’s recommendation to begin the process to condemn Koslouski’s dwelling was supported by Commissioners Tom Lizotte and Tony Bartley.

DeWitt said there is a formal process that must be followed to condemn the property. A certified letter will be sent to Koslouski informing her of the panel’s action and the need to clean up her property. If she fails to comply within 60 days of receipt of the letter, the commissioners intend to take the matter to Superior Court.

“We hope she’ll clean it up,” DeWitt said.

In other action this week, the commissioners voted to pay Brownville $250 for the election services it provides to the unorganized territories of Barnard, Ebeemee, Katahdin Ironworks and Williamsburg. The county will pay that amount for each election.

That action was taken at the request of Brownville Town Manager Sophia Wilson, who said it was inappropriate for her community to continue to provide the election services without charge to the county.