TURNER — A 275-year-old home was destroyed Tuesday as eight departments responded to put out the blaze.

According to fire Chief Michael Arsenault, fire crews were called to a structure fire at the home of Carlton Enos Jr. at 520 Plains Road at 1:48 p.m.

Enos was at work at Moark, the former DeCoster egg farm, and his family was not home when the fire broke out. Enos said he learned about the fire from his boss.

Describing the scene upon arrival at the two-story home with attached 1½-story garage, Arsenault said, “When we got in, the garage was fully involved and (flames were) coming out the house windows.”

Other crews responded from West Paris, Greene, Buckfield, Leeds, Auburn, Livermore and Minot. Arsenault said each department came with a tanker and Turner arrived with two.

According to Arsenault, the nearest hydrant was 3 miles away and no hydrants in Turner are pressurized. Firefighters had to draw water from nearby water sources through standpipes.

Despite the distance and single hydrant, “There was only one time we got low on water,” early in firefighting operations, Arsenault said.

Arsenault confirmed there were two 100-pound gas cylinders in front of the house that also were involved in the fire.

The fire was knocked down at 2 p.m. and crews conducted “mop up,” until 7 p.m., Arsenault said.

Although he couldn’t place a value on the loss, Arsenault said the house, garage and a pickup truck adjacent to the house were all a total loss.

The American Red Cross was assisting the family, and Arsenault said he believed Enos’ employer, Moark, had offered to help with temporary housing.

Arsenault said state fire marshals were investigating the fire, which they believe may have started in the garage. The fire chief said the cause was likely electrical, but that it might remain undetermined.

dmcintire@sunjournal.com

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