OLD TOWN, Maine — A two-story family home that holds two apartments in Old Town was damaged by fire Friday afternoon.
Old Town Fire Chief Steve O’Malley said a man living in the downstairs unit at 788 Main Street was cooking oil on the stove and fell asleep.
“He awoke to the smoke detectors going off,” said O’Malley.
The man was preparing to cook some french fries, O’Malley said. He tried to put the fire out with a lid but burned his hand and left the building.
Firefighters were able to get the fire under control quickly, containing it to the kitchen area, O’Malley said.
The kitchen had heavy smoke and water damage. O’Malley estimated total damage will be between $5,000 and $10,000.
The name of the man who burned his hand wasn’t immediately available. He was taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor for treatment, O’Malley said. Nobody else was injured in the fire.
Orono and Milford fire crews provided backup at the scene.
tallen:
FINAL VERSION
Two hours have passed since the last update. Come on I brag about you guys being on top of the breaking stories.
I love french fries but always put them in the oven. Much safer than hot oil that can easily catch fire, and healthier too.
I made a baaaad boo-boo!
the guy was drunk and fell asleep while me and my 4 year old were upstairs i live here and am less then impressed
AHH, so he passed out in the early afternoon. I was wondering about the other tenant as the story didn’t mention one. I would be “less than impressed too”!
Thanks for the rest of the story.
i did think it was odd we werent mentioned i live upstairs with my boyfriend and 2 children and as of now i had to find a place for the kids to stay i only have power to half the apt and the smell is horrendous dont get me wrong im greatfull for still having a place to stay but i really hope they charge him with something cuz this has been a very upseting experience
Best of luck, especially with the smell. I think you may have a hard time with that, but as you’ve said there should be some compensation coming to you.