
FARMINGTON — Fire gutted an automotive repair garage Wednesday night at 650 Knowlton Corner Road, fire rescue Chief Tim “TD” Hardy said.
State fire investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal consider the fire at Phillips Motor Sports accidental, he said. Different variants could have caused it, Hardy said Thursday.
Owner Kurt Phillips who was at his house, which is not attached to the garage, noticed smoke coming from the building. He went to investigate, and the garage was full of smoke. He reported the fire at about 7:16 p.m.
“When we arrived, smoke was coming from the eaves and doors,” Hardy said. “We were able to knock it down pretty quick.”
He estimated that about 35 firefighters responded from departments in Farmington, Chesterville, Industry, Jay, New Sharon, Temple and Wilton. They also received assistance from Farmington police and NorthStar EMS ambulance.
The garage has significant fire, smoke and heat damage, he said. Tools, equipment and a car inside were also damaged.
Phillips was evaluated at the scene by NorthStar personnel but was not taken to a hospital, Hardy said.
Farmington firefighters returned to the garage Thursday morning because smoke was coming from a small area of insulation.
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