ROCKPORT — Fire heavily damaged a home overlooking Chickawukie Pond in Rockport Saturday night, which was called in to Knox County Regional Communication Center by a homeowner from the other side of the pond, as well as by a Rockport firefighter who happens to live next door.

Firefighters from Rockport Fire Department were called out just before 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 to a report of a structure fire. According to the callers, flames could be seen on the side of the house at 30 Winding Way, which belongs to Stacy Campbell, according to Rockport’s tax assessment information.

The first Rockport firefighter on scene reported flames through the roof of the home, and a call for mutual aid from Rockland and Camden went out. Hope Fire Department also responded.

According to a neighbor, the fire was intense and flames could be seen coming out above the trees. The fire could also be seen from Route 17, across Chickawaukie.

As equipment and manpower were arriving on scene and setting up, initial work was being done by flashlight. That included ensuring that nobody was inside the residence, which they weren’t. There were also no pets inside, said Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley.

The tenant staying in the home arrived on scene after the fire departments, and alerted firefighters about a valuable collection of guitars inside. Peasley said after the fire was under control and it was deemed safe to go inside, firefighters went in and removed the collection, valued about around $10,000, from the residence unscathed.

The most damage to the home was to the exterior, by the chimney, where the wall was burned through. There was minimal damage to the interior of the first floor, due to smoke, with water and smoke damage to the interior of the second floor on the side where the fire burned.

Peasley said there was a wood stove with an asbestos chimney attached to the outside of the house, but he was not certain yet about the cause of the fire. It was on that wall where the fire originated and caused the most damage.

Just before 8 p.m., Peasley reported that the fire had been knocked down, and that they were mopping up and looking for hots pots.

Peasley also placed a call to the Fire Marshal’s Office to request an investigator help determine the cause of the fire.

While Rockport firefighters were first on scene, Peasley credited Rockland with helping contain the fire quickly and keep it from spreading. The location of the home, off Old County Road near the Rockland and Rockport town line, made for a quick sprint for Rockland firefighters to arrive on scene and get set up.

Sarah Shepherd and Lynda Clancy contributed to this story.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6655.
Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6657.
Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com