Smoking-caused fire damages Rangeley home

RANGELEY — A smoking accident caused an estimated $130,000 worth of damage to a home at 428 Rumford Road on Friday.

Fire Chief Tim Pellerin said volunteer firefighters took about an hour to bring the blaze under control after being called to the two-alarm fire at 4:28 p.m.

Volunteer firefighters from Phillips and Strong also were called to the scene through a mutual-aid agreement, according to the chief.

Pellerin said the fire started when a man fell asleep on a couch while smoking. No one was injured in the fire, which caused heavy damage to the first floor.

Pellerin, who categorized the fire as accidental, said firefighters were able to save upstairs bedrooms.

The home is insured and belongs to Carolyn Gotto, who was not home at the time of the incident, Pellerin said.

The fire was started by Gotto’s brother, Tim Gotto, who escaped from the burning house before firefighters arrived, and he was not injured, Pellerin said.

IN ANSON, Friday at 11:48 a.m., harassment was reported on Solon Road.

IN FAIRFIELD, Saturday at 10:41 a.m., threatening was reported on Police Plaza.

IN FARMINGTON, Friday at 9:45 a.m., harassment was reported on North Street.

7:19 p.m., harassment was reported on Perham Street.

IN MADISON, Friday at 11:33 p.m., trespassing was reported on Nathan Street.

IN MOOSE RIVER, Friday at 4:56 p.m., theft was reported on Bemis Street.

IN NORRIDGEWOCK, Saturday at 10:56 a.m., larceny was reported on Bigelow Hill Road.

IN WATERVILLE, Friday at 10:59 a.m., a drug offense was reported on Elm Street.

6:42 p.m., harassment was reported at an unknown location.

7:01 p.m., criminal mischief was reported on The Concourse.

8:40 p.m., assault was reported on Main Street.

8:48 p.m., theft was reported on Elm Street.

11:07 p.m., threatening was reported on Summer Street.

1:01 a.m. Saturday, a fight was reported on The Concourse.

1:02 a.m., a fight was reported on Temple Street.

1:17 a.m., a fight was reported on Silver Street.

5:21 a.m., a fire was reported on Mayflower Hill Drive.

IN RANGELEY, Friday at 4:31 p.m., a structure fire was reported on Rumford Road.

6:53 p.m., a structure fire was reported on South Shore Drive.

ARRESTS

IN SOMERSET COUNTY, Friday at 9:50 p.m., James Eric Sisson, 35, of Taunton, Mass., was arrested and charged with operating under the influence, disorderly conduct and reckless conduct.

IN WATERVILLE, Friday at 7:17 p.m., David Horton, 30, of Parkman, was arrested on Kennedy Memorial Drive and charged with operating after a suspension and OUI.

10:46 p.m., Jeremy Giardello, 33, of Oakland, was arrested on Main Street and charged with operating after a suspension.

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