2 min read

Flames shoot from the home of Kevin Whittemore on Wednesday morning at 313 Swan Road in New Sharon. Fire Chief John Welch said Whittemore told firefighters he was thawing a frozen pipe with an electric device, which is the suspected cause. Whittemore and his girlfriend escaped safely. Farmington Fire Rescue Department photo

NEW SHARON — A home at 313 Swan Road was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning after the homeowner attempted to thaw a frozen pipe with an electric device, Fire Chief John Welch said.

Kevin Whittemore and his girlfriend were able to get out of the house, described as a mobile home with additions on the front and side and many layers, Welch said.

Whittemore told firefighters he was using an electric device to thaw a frozen pipe in the bathroom and it must have fallen over, the chief said.

The blaze was reported at about 9:15 a.m. and more than 20 firefighters from seven departments responded. An excavator was brought in to move debris so firefighters could make sure the fire was out,  said Welch, who was still at the scene at 2:30 p.m.

There was no insurance on the property. The couple had family helping them and the American Red Cross was called in.

The New Sharon department was assisted by others from Farmington, Industry, Jay, Norridgewock, Temple and Wilton. NorthStar EMS ambulance was on standby.

Flames and smoke fill the home of Kevin Whittemore on Wednesday morning at 313 Swan Road in New Sharon. Fire Chief John Welch said Whittemore told firefighters he was thawing a frozen pipe with an electric device, which is the suspected cause. Whittemore and his girlfriend escaped safely. Farmington Fire Rescue Department photo
Flames consume the home of Kevin Whittemore on Wednesday morning at 313 Swan Road in New Sharon. Fire Chief John Welch said Whittemore told firefighters he was thawing a frozen pipe with an electric device, which is the suspected cause. Whittemore and his girlfriend escaped unharmed. Farmington Fire Rescue Department photo
Smoke billows Wednesday morning from a home at 313 Swan Road in New Sharon. Fire Chief John Welch said homeowner Kevin Whittemore told firefighters he was thawing a frozen pipe with an electric device, which is the suspected cause. Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal

Donna M. Perry is a general assignment reporter who has lived in Livermore Falls for 30 years and has worked for the Sun Journal for 20 years. Before that she was a correspondent for the Livermore Falls...

Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.