February 13, 2025
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Bucksport residence damaged in fire

BUCKSPORT – An early morning fire Tuesday that damaged a single-family residence on Willins Orchard Road was started by improper disposal of smoking materials, according to a fire official.

No one was injured in the fire, which was reported at about 1 a.m. Tuesday, according to Bucksport firefighter John Gavelek. The initial report indicated there had been an explosion in the basement of the two-story structure. When firefighters arrived on the scene off Route 15, however, they discovered the fire had started in a second-story bedroom of the building, which is owned by Mike Freilino.

“We had a quick knockdown,” Gavelek said. “We got it down in about 15 minutes.”

There was water, heat and smoke damage to much of the upstairs, he said.

“The one bedroom was destroyed and everything in it,” said Bucksport Fire Chief Craig Bowden. “That room was gutted out and the adjacent bathroom received a lot of heat and smoke damage.” Firefighters were able to put coverings over electronic equipment to protect it from water, although Bowden said they did not have to use much water to dowse the fire.

Two people inside the residence when the fire started were able to escape without injury and got their dogs out with them. Firefighters discovered several cats inside the building and herded them into one downstairs room. The fire was out by that time, Bowden said. One person was evaluated by emergency medical crew members at the scene, but did not require treatment.

The fire damaged some of the electrical wiring in the house, which is not habitable until the wiring is repaired, Bowden said. The residents have family in the area and have a place to stay, he said. Bucksport firefighters were assisted at the scene by crews from the Orland and Orrington fire departments under the mutual aid agreements among the towns.

rhewitt@bangordailynews.net

667-9394


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