CHERRYFIELD, Maine — A two-story farmhouse on River Road was flattened by fire on Sunday morning, according to the town’s fire chief.
Firefighters from four communities arrived shortly before 4 a.m. to find the house completely engulfed in flames, Cherryfield Fire Chief Charles Curtis Jr. said.
While a woman who owns the house and a man, woman and the man’s 2-year-old daughter, who were renting the second floor, all escaped, the trio on the second floor had to escape via a window as the first floor was overcome by fire, Curtis said.
The chief added the man and the child were OK but the woman, whose name was not disclosed, broke both of her legs and was transported to a Bangor hospital.
“Everything is a total loss,” Curtis said of the residence.
Crews managed to get the blaze under control in about 45 minutes. Curtis said there is too much damage to pinpoint a cause, although foul play is not believed to be involved.
Curtis said the home had no working smoke detectors.
“I’m not sure what woke them up,” he said. “They were extremely lucky.”
Curtis added numerous pets perished in the blaze and the residents are staying with friends and family in the area. The Cherryfield Congregational Church is also rendering assistance, Curtis added.
Firefighters from Cherryfield, Milbridge, Steuben and Harrington responded. Curtis said two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
