ROCKPORT — Just as firefighters at last night’s Rockport 125th Fireman’s Ball were gathering for a group photo on the patio of the Samoset Resort, their pagers went off. It was 7:14 p.m., one minute before they were to head inside for food and dancing, but a report of a structure fire on Route 90 in Rockport prompted more than a dozen of them to kiss their wives and girlfriends goodbye, and peel off toward their vehicles.

According to Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley, the July 29 fire started in and/or around the electric panel in the basement. He said when the first firefighters arrived on scene, they learned two people were in the home, one who was wheelchair bound and requiring supplemental oxygen. Peasley said the home, located at 651 West St., is owned by Leon Smith.

“Two firefighters first assisted in getting them out and across the street for safety,” said Peasley. “Then two hand lines were brought into the basement.”

But before they could do much, and once realizing where the fire was, they had to wait for Central Maine Power to disconnect electricity to the residence.

“They [CMP] were Johnny-on-the-spot, and were able to disconnect the power really quick, which allowed us to knock down the fire faster to prevent spread to the upper floors,” said Peasley.

He said the fire was out within about 20 or 30 minutes, but being in the basement, they had to spend time searching the rafters for hot spots to make sure the fire had not extended beyond the obvious location.

Peasley also said that there were only two small windows in the basement, making it more difficult to clear the smoke.

Neither of the home’s occupants were injured, and Peasley said he went into the home with the homeowner, after firefighters had cleared the scene, and helped remove personal and medical items. He said the couple stayed overnight with friends in Lincolnville.

Peasley notified the Fire Marshal, and because there were no injuries and it was pretty clear where the fire started and that is was electrical in nature, an investigator would wait to visit the home on Monday.

“It should be noted that there was only one smoke detector in the home, and the battery compartment was open with no battery inside,” said Peasley. “So there was no working smoke detector when the fire started. They were very lucky this happened while they were awake, and not in the middle of the night while they were sleeping.”

Rockland Fire Department assisted Rockport, and North East Mobile Health was called to check on both of the home’s occupants.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6655.