Blaze destroys recycling center Loss of Dover-Foxcroft facility’s equipment, building could total $1M

DOVER-FOXCROFT – A fast-moving fire consumed the Dover-Foxcroft Solid Waste Recycling Center on Friday, causing up to $1 million in damage and destroying heavy equipment, compactors and records.

“It was a very big loss to the town, but I’m very thankful there were no personal injuries, and it’s all loss of property we can replace,” said Town Manager Jack Clukey.

He estimated the loss could reach as much as $1 million.

Clukey said he hopes to be able to open the transfer station, which was not affected by the fire, for regular hours today. Residents who use the facility should not bring their recyclables.

Dover-Foxcroft Fire Chief Joseph Guyotte said Joe Sands, the town’s solid waste supervisor, spotted the fire when he went to unlock the gate to the complex at about 7 a.m.

Guyotte said Sands started to back up to call 911 when he remembered that the town’s loader was inside. Sands hurried to the building and opened the door to remove the vehicle, but the building erupted in flames, according to Guyotte.

“When he opened up the door, she lit up, ” the fire chief said.

As Sands tried to rescue the equipment, someone in the neighborhood spotted the flames and notified authorities, Guyotte said. Sands was not injured, he said.

“There was no way of stopping it,” he said. The building was open inside, had an all-wood interior and was filled with recyclable materials.

The fire started in the loader and furnace area, according to Guyotte. Ed Archer of the state fire marshal’s office was on the scene Friday to determine the fire’s origin.

The approximately 100-foot-by-30-foot building is considered a total loss, according to Guyotte.

His department was assisted by Guilford, Sangerville, Sebec and Milo. Dexter firefighters remained on standby at the Dover-Foxcroft fire station and Monson firefighters remained on standby at the Guilford Fire Station.

Clukey said the loss included a bucket loader, a forklift, compactors, office equipment and records. The building was fully insured, he said.

He complimented the fire and police departments, the ambulance service and the departments that provided aid for their response.

Town officials are expected to discuss the replacement of the building at their Monday meeting.