Firefighters from across western Kennebec County were called Friday to a fire in Leeds that destroyed a large farmhouse.
Fire Chief Glenn Holt said nobody was home when the fire broke out, but two people were taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. The injuries were not believed to be life threatening.
“A couple of the tenants came home to find it,” Holt said.
The home, a large farmhouse at 810 River Road, was a total loss. The fire was reported shortly before 2 p.m. Holt said flames had engulfed about two-thirds of the house, and were blowing out the windows and doors, by the time the first firefighters arrived.
“It was a huge fire,” Holt said. “It was very advanced when it was called in.”
By the time it was over, about 60 firefighters from eight communities, including Fayette, Monmouth, Wales and Wayne were called to help Leeds firefighters control the blaze. Holt said crews had to cut down a tree that caught fire but managed to save a nearby garage that the homeowner’s belongings.
The home was rented by a family of four, Holt said. The homeowner, Rick Macie, who typically lives outside the area, had been living in the house for a few months. Holt was unsure if the home is insured.
Holt did not know how the fire started. An investigator from the state fire marshal’s office was called in later in the afternoon.
Becky Hinkley said her mom, Sharon Oliver, who lived in the house with her brother and niece, was still being treated for smoke inhalation Friday evening at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. Hinckley said Oliver, who will turn 63 Tuesday, had no renters insurance and live on only disability payments.
“They have nothing and no way to start over,” Hinckley said.
Hinkley said her mother takes care of her brother and 11 year-niece who has autism. Hinkley, who lives in North Monmouth, said Oliver and her family will stay with relatives in the area and had gotten assistance from the American Red Cross. Hinkley set up an online fundraising account. To contribute visit GoFundMe.com and search “Support for Oliver Family.”
River Road connects Route 219 and Church Hill Road in Leeds.
Craig Crosby — 621-5642
ccrosby@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @CraigCrosby4
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