A fire Wednesday at an equipment barn on Barber Street in Randolph drew firefighters from surrounding towns to knock it down.

The barn, which belongs to Coutts Brothers, contractors for electrical construction and line maintenance throughout the northeast, was destroyed.

Ron Cunningham, Randolph’s fire chief, said he was just leaving the fire station when he saw the column of smoke, about a mile away.

When Cunningham arrived on the scene, he found a pole barn on fire, with an excavator and three tractor trailers parked about 15 feet from the barn. A firefighter was able to move that equipment away from the fire, while Cunningham trained a hose on the vehicles.

“As far as the building, it was a total loss,” he said.

The smoke plume could be seen from across several towns.

The company issued a statement Wednesday on social media.

“Unfortunately this evening, we experienced a significant fire in one of the barns on our property.

“We are incredibly thankful to report that everyone is safe, and the fire has been fully extinguished thanks to the swift response and outstanding efforts of our local fire departments and emergency personnel.  

“We appreciate everyone’s concern, thoughts, and messages during this time. Most importantly, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to firefighters, first responders, and emergency crews who work tirelessly to protect lives and property.”

Firefighters from Randolph, Pittston, Farmingdale, Gardiner, West Gardiner, Chelsea, Hallowell and Togus fire departments responded. They were on the scene until about 1:30 a.m. Thursday.

Shannon Moss, public information officer for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said Thursday evening that “the origin and cause are currently undetermined due to the extensive damage.” It remains under investigation.