Two Injured after Fire Destroys Two Buildings in Van Buren, Maine

Two people were injured Saturday night after a fire destroyed two buildings in Van Buren.

Crackling Sounds in the Pellet Stove

The fire at 58 Main Street started around 11:23 pm. The owner heard crackling sounds and discovered a fire involving his pellet stove, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety.

Owner Tried to Put Out Fire with Fire Extinguisher

“The owner attempted to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher; however, the fire continued to spread,” said Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, Maine Department of Public Safety.

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Fire Crews Battled Heavy Fire Conditions

The Van Buren Fire Department found heavy fire conditions when they arrived on the scene.

An Excavator Used to Demolish Building on Fire

“Due to the proximity of neighboring structures and the risk of further spread, the department utilized an excavator to perform an emergency demolition of the building while firefighting operations continued,” said Moss.

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Two Buildings Were Destroyed in the Fire

The building at 58 Main Street was destroyed and the unoccupied adjacent building at 56 Main Street was a complete loss.

Firefighter and Owner Injured and Transported to the Hospital

A firefighter was injured after slipping on ice and the owner had sustained smoke inhalation. They were both taken to Cary Medical Center in Caribou for treatment.

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Cause of Fire Under Investigation

“The cause of the fire is under investigation, however, the cause likely involves the pellet stove,” said the Maine Department of Public Safety.