DURHAM — A representative of the State Fire Marshal’s Office is scheduled to inspect the scene of a fire on Tuesday at 1862 Royalsborough Road that destroyed a large barn early Monday morning.
Durham fire Capt. C.J. Larrabee said the blaze on the road that is also known as Route 136 was reported shortly after 2 a.m. He said the roof of the detached barn had already collapsed beside the nearby house when firefighters arrived, causing fire to spread to the home. Two residents were home at the time, including owner Richard Lauck, Nancy Gilbert and their dog. All escaped without injury.
“It’s a freak accident,” neighbor Ethel Daniels said. “I’m just glad they all made it out alive. You just never know when something like this is going to happen.”
Larrabee said the cause of the fire remained undetermined as of Monday afternoon.
All of the contents of the 30- by 40-foot, wood-frame barn — including saws, woodworking equipment and a generator — along with a car parked outside the barn were destroyed in the blaze, Larrabee said. The fire was brought under control in less than two hours.
The house sustained smoke and water damage, but appeared to be salvageable, Larrabee said, adding that the buildings were insured. The Red Cross responded to assist Lauck and Gilbert with temporary housing.
Firefighters from six area departments responded to the scene — including Freeport, Lisbon, Pownal, Brunswick, Yarmouth and Falmouth — and Auburn Fire Department covered for Durham.
Firefighters cleared the scene at about 8 a.m. No estimate was available as to loss.
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