Damaged hydraulic, electrical lines spark tractor fire in Camden woods
CAMDEN — Rosey Gerry of Lincolnville didn't just lose his tractor in a fire Wednesday morning, he lost a solid working machine.
"Day in, day out, you just use it, all summer long," said Gerry. "But it burned up good."
Gerry was working on property behind box 440 Belfast Road in Camden, just beyond Springbrook Hill, when his tractor got hung up on a stump that had been cut.
"A stick came up and pulled a hydraulic line free, then an electrical wire, which shorted and started the fire," said Gerry.
He said that even with a fire extinguisher, he couldn't get the fire out quick enough before it spread.
"Even with the fire extinguisher it went up good," said Gerry.
Gerry said he was concerned the fire would spread to the tires, which would cause an even bigger fire, so he was quick to call 911 and get the fire department on scene.
"Once the tires go up it's a bad fire," said Gerry. "I’m just thankful this didn't happen a couple of weeks ago, when it was drier out here."
Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley said they got the call about the fire at 9:01 a.m. Five firefighters responded with Engines 4 and 5 to the scene, as well as three fire police to handle traffic.
Farley estimated the tractor, which Gerry said was a 1982 Long, was about 300-feet off the driveway, about a half-mile off Route 1.
Farley said Gerry was out in the woods doing some logging work, cleaning downed limbs and bush hogging.
“It’s not fixable, it’s totaled, it sucks,” said Gerry.
Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6655.
Event Date
Address
440 Belfast Road
Camden, ME 04843
United States