RANGELEY — The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a Massachusetts couple’s two-story log home at 3 Furbish Road on Thursday morning, fire Chief Tim Pellerin said Friday.

“The property was insured, but will be a total loss due to extensive interior damage,” he said.

Pellerin identified the owners as Bruce and Julie Walbridge, who were not at their vacation home at the time but arrived later from their home in Stow, Mass.

Three state fire investigators and Pellerin remained at the scene until 10:30 p.m. Thursday, he said. The investigators were expected to be back Friday.

Approximately 35 firefighters from five departments fought the fire, which a passer-by reported at 7:06 a.m. The fire started on the first floor and extended into the second floor, Pellerin said.

Intense heat and flames initially drove firefighters out of the house until it could be vented. The house is standing, but the interior is charred, he said.

Pellerin lowered his estimate of the loss from an initial $800,000 to $500,000 for the house and contents.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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