MACHIAS, Maine — A fire apparently sparked by a barrel-style wood stove heavily damaged a house at 8 Harwood St. in Machias on Monday morning.
Brothers Mark and Mike Crowley, who are both carpenters, bought the old, two-story frame house the day before the fire and had just moved their belongings from their previous home in Addison.
Both homeowners and their two golden retrievers got out safely, and no injuries were reported.
The house was not insured, according to Mike Crowley.
More than 20 firefighters from Machias, East Machias, Machiasport, Marshfield, Jonesboro and the Washington County Fire Service Strikeforce responded to the 8:30 a.m. alarm and were on the scene for more than two hours.
This is very sad. I hope the men aren’t going to be homeless as a result of this.
believed caused???? hmmm im not sure thats correct
One would assume that they paid cash for this property negating the need for insurance or a complete home inspection from a qualified proffessional before moving in. Perhaps the stove had not been used in quite some time. If this was a “homemade” stove, it, or the stove pipe could easily have rusted out well before this fire was lit. Thankfully the brothers and their Goldens are safe.
Try and get any insurance in Maine and see what happens. From the brokers I’ve recently checked with, I don’t know how anyone can go through the bank on a home that isn’t in immaculate condition to start with.
They don’t seem to even understand the concept of fire or construction insurance. I suspect the problem was with the chimney and not the stove.
Tough break guys. Glad you & your dogs are both safe.
I hear you. I bought a small fixer upper in Aroostook last year and it was very tough to get insurance, no matter what promises I made about repairs as soon as I closed.
Given the condition of many older Maine homes and what I learned from that insurance shopping experience, it’s no wonder people simply build new or go without insurance on the older homes.
Add to the list of fire departments Machiasport please.
I cannot get homeowners insurance on my older home. Anything over 20 years old….nada. The bank puts fire insurance on it, I pay the bank. If it burns, it pays the mortgage…that’s it.
My insurance has been in force 12+ years on my 100+ year old home. The co. recently merged with another, larger, company and they sent out an inspector, the result of which I had to spend $1300 on new railings for the back deck and front porch; plus fix the old wooden rain gutter. My premium is reasonable so I did it under threat of cancellation. I’ve never made a claim but I understand you make one under threat of cancellation these days.
Barrel stoves really should be outlawed…. Maybe good enough for a garage but no way for a house.