ROCKLAND — A notification from an alarm-monitoring company, as well as an on-scene pull of a fire alarm by employees, led to a fire department response to Fisher Engineering, Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 6:19 a.m. With the help of an investigator from the Fire Marshal's Office, Rockland firefighters would eventually determine the cause to be "loss of grounding combined with static electricity," within a machine, according to Rockland Fire Chief Chris Whytock, in a late-afternoon follow-up. But, in the moments surrounding the 6:24 a.m. arrival of Rockland's C-Shift firefighters, nothing about the scene was certain.

The on-duty crew, which was finishing a 24-hour shift, were met at the building, 50 Gordon Drive, by workers who reported active fire within a piece of machinery inside the building. C Shift deployed a 400’ handline and began attacking the fire, while the command officer initiated a First Alarm, calling into action other Rockland firefighters, as well as crews from Thomaston, Rockport, and Camden. Those working the hose simultaneously looked for any fire victims that may not have been able to evacuate with the rest of the employees. 

While mutual aid was still en route, the duty crew pulled a hose line into the building, which is a machine manufacturer known for producing snow plows, and within minutes was able to knock down the known flames. 

At Rockland's request, mutual aid trucks parked on Thomaston Street, still allowing morning traffic on the road, including school buses, to use one lane. Also at Rockland's request, Central Maine Power disconnected the building's electricity while firefighters managed the fire.

According to Whytock, the fire was knocked down using about 400 gallons of water, and as mutual aid and off duty crew members arrived, a more extensive search and overhaul was being conducted. Roughly 600 gallons of water was used for extinguishment and overhaul, along with three fire extinguishers.

Due to the heavy fire and large square footage of the plant, a large amount of smoke needed to be cleared from the building.

Having been released from the scene early on, Thomaston FD, along with Thomaston Ambulance, provided station coverage for Rockland until 9 a.m. when Rockland firefighters returned. During that time, Thomaston Fire and EMS responded to one medical call in Rockland.

Chief Whytock credits the following factors that prevented a worse outcome:

1. Quick notification to The Knox County Regional Communications Center (9-1-1) by means of both the automatic fire alarm and Fisher employees activating a pull station to trigger the alarm.

2. The sprinkler system was able to help prevent further fire damage and aid in the extinguishment of the fire.

3. Working together with Fisher Engineering employees to secure power and other utilities. 

4. Support from our mutual aid partners from Rockport Fire, Camden Fire, Thomaston Fire & EMS, Knox County Communications center, and CMP.