Fire destroys garage in Washington

Sun, 12/09/2018 - 9:30am

Story Location:
129 Augusta Road
Washington, ME
United States

    WASHINGTON — Route 17 is back open this morning, Sunday, Dec. 9, after fire destroyed an auto body shop owned by Richard French.

    Callers to dispatch, around 4:40 a.m., reported flames visible from the center section of the one-story wooden structure, estimated at 24-ft by 60-ft, at 129 Augusta Road .

    Washington Fire Chief Phil Meunier said he arrived to find the building fully engulfed, with flames shooting from the metal roof of the structure. Within minutes, the roof collapsed.

    As policy dictates, Meunier informed the Fire Marshal’s Office of the fire. However, no investigation is being conducted.

    “The building was so far gone,” he said. “The cause of fire will remain undetermined.”

    Meunier also said that working in the single-digit temperatures was a challenge.

    Water, pumped from the Fire Station, as well as from Fitch Road, caused for slippery conditions in places.

    Still, an estimated 40 firefighters from the towns of Washington, Union, Liberty, Somerville, and Jefferson responded to the call.  

    Fire trucks returned to quarters around 8 a.m.

    Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com.