Fire devastates Edgecomb home

Tue, 06/04/2024 - 10:30am

An evening fire in Edgecomb heavily damaged a home on Abenaki Road June 3. Firefighters reported no family injuries, but said the home may be a total loss even though much of the damage is on the inside.

“Realistically, it was a good save by the initial team that came in,” said Edgecomb Fire Chief Roy Potter. He said Edgecomb and Boothbay were the first to respond. 

Boothbay Fire Chief David Pratt said his truck was the first on the scene, after a call came in from a neighbor around 5:40 p.m. He said the first floor was dark with smoke, which was coming out of both upstairs air conditioners. He added the window screens were bowed, a sign of heat in the building. 

Pratt said the family, including Ed Crocker, Candie Crocker and their children, were not home at the time of the incident. However, according to first responders, several pets were lost in the fire. 

Over 10 fire trucks were at the scene from departments including Boothbay, Edgecomb, Wiscasset, Damariscotta and Newcastle. Potter said around 25 responders arrived. In addition, family, friends and neighbors were there.

Potter said the fire marshal conducted his investigation of the scene the evening of the fire. According to Potter, the investigation determined the cause of the fire was accidental, potentially caused by a dog accidentally turning on an oven burner because there was food on the stove. 

Potter thought the fire had been smoldering for some time before anyone noticed. He said there is extensive fire and smoke damage in the kitchen and first floor, with more damage extending into the second floor. He said it was not yet certain if the structure is a total loss. 

For those who want to support the Crockers, collection stations will be placed around the peninsula. Locations include Hawke Motors, Southport General Store, and Coastal Maine Popcorn Co., and collections will be taken at the Boothbay Region High School Grand March June 6. In addition, there is a gofundme.com set up at https://gofund.me/a1f99975