Stetson couple have baby girl even as blaze destroys home

STETSON – A Burleigh Road family experienced indescribable joy and devastating loss on Saturday during the period of just a few hours.

While Howard and Holly Hatchell were at a Bangor hospital welcoming their new baby girl, their home in Stetson was destroyed in an early morning fire that could be seen from as much as a mile away.

The fire, reported by a neighbor about 5:30 a.m., consumed the family’s 11/2-story log home and attached garage and all of the contents, Stetson Fire Chief Kim Tracy said Saturday.

Also destroyed was a small utility shed about 15 feet from the house, although a pickup truck parked in the driveway escaped damage.

Attempts made Sunday to reach the Hatchells, who are staying with family in the area, were unsuccessful.

“They had left in a rush,” Tracy said. “All they had left were the clothes on their backs.”

Tracy said Howard Hatchell learned about the fire when he stopped in for a change of clothing.

“He came home to get a change of clothes and found his home flattened,” Tracy said, “But they had a healthy baby girl.”

Tracy said Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross has been called in to provide assistance.

The family’s hometown also plans to come to their rescue.

Next-door neighbor Kirstin McClure, a clerk at Buda Belly’s Village Store and Bakery on Mullen Road in Stetson, said the Hatchells had moved into their new home within the last few months.

McClure said she and other neighbors planned to have a benefit supper for the Hatchells soon. A local church and members of the town’s fire department also wanted to help, she said.

The fire’s cause remains to be determined, Tracy said. He said the State Fire Marshal’s Office is scheduled to visit the fire scene today.

Tracy estimated the total damage from the fire at about $80,000 and said the Hatchells were insured.

Stetson firefighters were assisted by crews from nearby Carmel and Etna, Tracy said. He said one firefighter received treatment for minor injuries he suffered in a fall on some ice.