VASSALBORO — An unpermitted brush fire sparked a blaze Sunday afternoon that destroyed a barn and nearly consumed a nearby house and garage, authorities said.

Firefighters from five departments responded to the barn fire at 658 Webber Pond Road.

Fire crews battled a structure fire on Webber Pond Road in Vassalboro Sunday afternoon. Kennebec Journal photo by Drew Bonifant

Deputy Vassalboro Fire Chief Walker Thompson said Sunday night that the fire started with someone burning brush 30 to 40 feet from the barn.

“He did not have a burning permit,” Thompson said. “The fire spread to a nearby garage that was attached to the house, but that was our priority when we arrived on scene because the barn was already destroyed and fully involved. We were able to save the house and garage.”

Firefighters from Vassalboro, China, South China and the Maine Forestry Service responded to a barn fire at 658 Webber Pond Road in Vassalboro on Sunday. Morning Sentinel photo by David Leaming

Thompson said mutual aid came from Augusta, China village and South China and Winslow.

“Great work by everyone involved,” Thompson said. “The garage sustained minor damage, and the house had melted siding. We also had a good amount of man power because it’s a Sunday afternoon and most people are around, so we are thankful for that.”

Thompson said he did not know who the homeowners are. Forest rangers were investigating because of the unpermitted burn, he said.

Webber Pond Road runs the length of town from Bog Road near the Vassalboro Community School, all the way past the Natanis Golf Course to Hannaford Hill Road.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367
dharlow@centralmaine.com
Twitter:@Doug_Harlow

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