OWLS HEAD — Firefighters were unable to save a house in Owls Head, Sunday, March 1, 2026. All occupants evacuated on their own, and no injuries occurred.

Just prior to 11:30 a.m., a call to 911 reported a fire in an exterior generator at 9 Alley Way, which is a long drive off of two small roads, accessible from Buttermilk Lane. Soon after that initial call, a second report advised that flames had spread into the house, and by the time the first firefighters turned toward the area of Route 73 and Buttermilk Lane, they needed only to head in the direction of the heavy black smoke that rose into the air.

A shuttling of water commenced from a hydrant at the intersection of North Shore Drive and Ash Point Drive, transporting tankfuls to a circular bump-out on Hill Street. From there, the water flowed through a hose, down Alley Way and into the windows of the owner-built structure.

More than 20 years ago, the owner started with a large piece of property and a skill set. After work and on weekends, he constructed a small open concept set of rooms. Then, he added more. He hired some assistance for what he couldn’t accomplish alone, but most of the work was his, he said, as he stood, up the street with friends and family, unable to look at the aftermath of this day. The house had been lovingly constructed, with pride; especially the tile work.

Arriving firefighters noted flames visible along at least one outer wall of the three-story structure. Those in uniform certified for interior fire battle entered the structure, climbed to the various floors. Surprisingly, their assessments led to a full evacuation. Safety. Structural integrity had become a concern. Therefore, the battle continued. But only from the outside, through the windows already open and the windows that firefighters could break with the tools – or the rocks – at their disposal.

Cushing, Warren, St. George, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Thomaston, and South Thomaston joined the effort. A couple uniforms representing Appleton could be seen in the mix. With Rockland’s crew working the scene as firefighters, an ambulance crew from South Thomaston remained on scene, prepared to assist with any medical issue that arose.