March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Cause of Presque Isle house fire investigated

PRESQUE ISLE — State and local fire investigators are searching for the cause of a Friday morning fire that resulted in major damage to a two-story house on Route 1.

Presque Isle Fire Chief James Ksysiak said the fire broke out in a two-story wood-frame house that belonged to Ivan McKinnon. He said it was reported at 11:23 a.m. by a passing motorist.

Krysiak said the house had been for sale for about two years and reportedly had been vacant for about a month, after a renter moved out. He said the house was empty and there were no furnishings or other personal belongings in it. Electrical power was still connected to the building, he said.

The house had been constructed in two parts, and the older, front section was built using balloon construction, according to Krysiak. With that type of construction, the walls are open between the studs, with no fire stops from the basement to the attic. Because of that, he said the fire spread quickly.

“It started in the cellar and went right up [inside] the walls into the attic,” he said. “It was a real bear to fight.”

He said the first floor of the front portion of the house collapsed, forcing firefighters to fight the fire in that area from outside. But they were able to get to the second floor. The house is still standing, Krysiak said, but the front portion will have to be demolished.

Thirty-two Presque Isle firefighters responded to the call with six fire trucks. They were assisted by firefighters and equipment from Caribou.

Firefighters remained at the scene for about five hours, Krysiak said. There were no injuries.


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