Fast-moving fire destroys building in Mapleton

MAPLETON- A fast-moving fire destroyed a potato storage facility on Sunday at 1638 State Road.

The storage facility, which was recently emptied of potatoes, was part of a large complex of buildings owned by the Darrell Chandler family, according to Capt. Geoffrey Skidgell of the Mapleton Fire Department.

“We did an excellent job containing it to one building so it didn’t spread throughout the other buildings,” Skidgell said, commending the approximately 50 firefighters who responded from Presque Isle, Washburn, Ashland, Easton and Mapleton.

One local firefighter, who became ill from smoke inhalation, was taken by private vehicle to Presque Isle Hospital, where he was treated and later released, Skidgell said.

The approximately 150-by-60-foot building was in flames when firefighters arrived at about 9:30 a.m., according to Skidgell. The fire appeared to have started in the middle of the building, he said.

A snowmobiler, who was traveling on a snowmobile trail next to the property, told Skidgell that he had spotted the fire and made the 911 call.

Skidgell was unsure if there was equipment stored inside the building, but he said it was insured.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office will be notified of the fire, he said.