LIVERMORE FALLS — Matt Hodgkins held his youngest son, Logan, 1, wrapped in a blanket, Wednesday morning as neighbors gave him and his wife, Eryn Pelletier, items for the family after a fire destroyed their home.
Hodgkins’ two other sons, Jayden, 4, and Caleb, 2, were being kept warm in the family’s SUV.
All three children had just had a bath when a fire broke out behind the dryer, Hodgkins said.
The family lost everything in the home — and they had no insurance. Hodgkins said he had tried to get insurance to no avail.
About 30 firefighters from five departments responded to the fire at 180 Pine Ridge Loop. The family reported the fire at about 8:30 a.m., just after they escaped the burning mobile home.
Pelletier had been in the bathroom, across from where the dryer and washing machine were located, Livermore Falls Fire Lt. Bob Cummins said.
She saw smoke and yelled for her husband.
Hodgkins said there was smoke and flames — small at first — but he could not remember immediately where the fire extinguisher was located. He grabbed some cat litter and tried to put it out, but it didn’t work.
The fire spread. He got everybody out and his wife called 911.
When firefighters arrived at the home at 8:45 a.m., it was fully engulfed in flames, and it was spreading to the woods, Cummins said. The family’s camper trailer parked near the home also was destroyed, he said. Firefighters knocked the fire down quickly.
“I’m definitely thankful everybody is safe,” Hodgkins said. “I don’t care about the material stuff.”
He was thankful for his neighbors who brought items such diapers, children’s clothing, snacks, adult clothing, toys and other items. The family has already had four or five offers to stay at places from Waterville to Waldoboro, he said.
Hodgkins said he was also thankful for emergency responders.
Pelletier’s eyes were red from crying.
Cummins said there was a call made to the American Red Cross to help the family. He had called state fire investigators.
Firefighters from Livermore Falls, Livermore, Jay, Wayne and Wilton responded to the fire. A NorthStar EMS ambulance and crew, and Livermore Falls Police Lt. Joseph Sage were also at the scene.
dperry@sunmediagroup.net
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