SEARSMONT — An occasional wind that added a chill to the 45 - 50 degree temperatures in the region wasn’t necessarily felt by firefighters in Searsmont, Sunday afternoon, but that same breeze proved to be instrumental in containing flames from the housefire they had been called to extinguish.

After talking with the homeowner, who was home at the time, Fire Chief James Ames and the rest of the fire crews that battled the fire at 50 Main Street South, April 17, 2022, believe that the fire started around the chimney, according to Ames. 

Just prior to 1 p.m., Ames, Searsmont Fire Department, and firefighters from Appleton, Lincolnville, Morrill, and Montville encountered heavy smoke coming from the rear of the house. By opening the front door, the outside wind found its way in, clearing the smoke and pushing possible sparks to the rear where the damage had already taken hold. 

“That was an advantage,” said Ames. “But not always.”

Two people lived at the home and are intending to spend the night in a hotel, according to Ames, due to heavy smoke damage and a little bit of water damage.

No injuries were reported, and Ames had not been told that any animals resided in the residence.

Water from the hoses came from a dry hydrant near a bridge on the other side of Searsmont. Montville relayed the water to the scene.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com