COPLIN PLANTATION — Four people, including a baby boy, escaped injury late Monday night when a two-story camp they were renting on Warrens Way in Hedgehog Village was destroyed by fire, Eustis fire Chief Sprague Wise said Tuesday.
The camp is owned by Steven Warren of Florida. The names of those staying there were not available.
Firefighters were hampered by subzero temperatures in trying to containing the blaze, which started in a chimney and spread into the walls, he said.
The three adults heard crackling in the walls, saw some smoke and realized the camp was on fire, Wise said. When firefighters arrived, flames were coming out the eves and roof, he said.
About 15 firefighters from departments in Carrabassett Valley, Eustis, Kingfield and Rangeley responded to the 10:45 p.m. call. The subzero temperatures caused Eustis’ first-line engine to freeze. Firefighters went to the second-line truck that carries 3,000 gallons of water, Wise said.
With the arrival of firetrucks from the other departments, a water shuttle was set up from a hydrant near the Coplin Plantation and Stratton line. There were issues with the hydrant due to the recent storm, but once they got the caps off them water was hauled to the scene, he said.
Eustis firefighters cleared the scene just after 4 a.m.
The three adults and the baby stayed at the Stratton Plaza hotel in Eustis on Monday night and were going to stay Tuesday night at no charge, owner Jeff Brickley said. Community members are helping with clothing and other items, including baby equipment, that are being left at the hotel, he said.
Fotter’s Market is also collecting donations for the family, he said. The Food Pantry is putting together packages for them.
Wise said he has contacted the American Red Cross to help them.
dperry@sunjournal.com
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