A home at 660 South Rumford Road burns Wednesday morning. Rumford Falls Times photo by Bruce Farrin
RUMFORD — Fire destroyed a two-story house and attached garage Wednesday morning at 660 South Rumford Road.
Fire Chief Chris Reed said residents John and Susan Dolloff escaped the fast-moving fire without injury, but that might not have been the case were it not for four young men from Top Notch Tree Service of Bethel.
Reed said the men were driving past the house when they noticed flames. They got out of their vehicle and pounded on the front door, yelling the porch was on fire. John Dolloff was reportedly sleeping and Susan Dolloff was in the shower.
Reed also said the men dragged a pickup truck, parked in the driveway, away from the fire.
A dozen Rumford firefighters and about 30 from eight surrounding fire departments fought the blaze, reported at 9:15 a.m.
When firefighters arrived, there was a concern with an arcing power line close to the house, so they had to wait for a Central Maine Power crew to shut off the power before pouring water onto the house.
Reed said there also was not water service in that area, so that slowed the effort.
Firefighters were able to pull out a safe that contained valuable papers. Nothing was could be saved, however, but Reed said the property was reportedly insured.
He said the damage was so extensive the fire marshal could not determine a cause.
Reed said the Dolloffs were staying with relatives.
bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net
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