MACHIASPORT, Maine — A fire that began in a chimney early Thursday morning leveled a two-story home on Port Road in Machiasport, leaving a family of six without a home.
Lobsterman George Ingrish, his wife, Crystal Ingrish, their four children, ages 11 months to 11 years old, and their cat, two dogs and pet rabbit all made it out of the house safely, Crystal Ingrish said Thursday evening in a telephone interview.
“I am so thankful for that,” she said.
Ingrish said that the fire began about 5 a.m., about an hour after the family arose and began their day. She said she was upstairs making beds when her husband discovered a chimney fire.
Debbie Nielson, wife of Machiasport Fire Chief Dave Nielson, said that crews were still at the fire scene as of 7 p.m.
The family initially went next door to her husband’s grandfather’s home and were not sure where they would be staying temporarily.
The community already is coming together to support the family.
Crystal Ingrish said that the Red Cross came to Machiasport that morning and that Larry and Terri Baker, owners of the Machias River Inn, offered to house the family for a few nights.
Debbie Nielson said the house was not insured because the company the Ingrishes had been using stopped doing business in Maine at the beginning of this year and the family was in the process of finding a new company.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds for the Ingrish family. As of 7 p.m., more than $1,600 had been pledged. In addition, community members have been dropping off donations at the Fort O’Brien School.
Debbie Nielson is organizing a benefit supper and auction for the family. It is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. For information or to contribute, call 255-3917.