Update: April 25, 2024: A fire at a house on Levenseller Pond has been ruled accidental, according to the Searsmont Fire Chief. 

No one was in the residence at the time of the fire, which was reported at approximately 11:20 p.m. by a neighbor. The last remaining firefighters didn’t leave again until 3:30 a.m.

Water supply came from a dry hydrant on the other side of the pond, along Route 173. 

SEARSMONT — A community is helping a family recover from a devastating fire that took the life of their dog on Sunday night, April 21. 

Jennifer Strazzulla, a staff member of Hope School and Lincolnville Central School, her husband, Chris, and their two young sons lost all their belongings in the fire, which consumed the entire two-story structure that sat along a single-lane dirt road parallel to Route 173, not far from the Lincolnville town line. 

They have a place to stay, according to a GoFundMe set up by a colleague, Molly Cole. Yet, “it will be a long process to put the pieces back together,” said Cole, in the fundraiser.

The most urgent need is boys clothing (sizes 12 and 14/16). All money raised will be given to the family to support their immediate needs. Gift cards to Hannaford, Walmart, Target, Renys, or area restaurants would also be greatly appreciated. Donations can also be dropped off at Hope Elementary School (34 Highfield Road in Hope) during school hours from 8AM-3PM.

By 4:30 p.m., April 23, that fundraiser had accumulated $3,400 in donations. 

The waterfront property of 59 Levenseller Pond Road is set back from the road, allowing only limited space between the porch and water’s edge to maneuver hoses.

Firefighters from Searsmont, Appleton, Lincolnville, Montville and Morrill, were called to the scene at 11:23 p.m.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com