PATTEN, Maine — A blaze that ripped through Patten’s downtown earlier this week destroyed a business, leaving several employees without work and more than a dozen without a home, including 11 seniors.
“This tragedy has impacted not only residents, but also local business owners, including those who owned Outback Garage, making this a heartbreaking event felt throughout our entire community,” Brittney Woods, Patten community activities coordinator and Sherman Rec director, said Friday. “While the initial response brought incredible support, ongoing awareness and assistance are critically needed — particularly as we look toward long-term recovery.”
When the Patten Fire Department arrived on scene early Wednesday morning, the Outback Garage at 6 Main St. was engulfed in flames, destroying the downtown business, an upstairs apartment and a low-income senior apartment building. The garage and upstairs apartment were a total loss.
As the fire spread to the Hathaways Apartments next door, the resultant smoke and fire damage left the housing units unliveable, Woods said.
There were no injuries from the fire.
Many in the community have offered temporary accommodations, and the Red Cross has been on scene to assist. But Patten is a small town with very limited housing available, and the loss of a low-income senior housing complex has left many residents in an extremely difficult position, Woods said.
“These individuals live on fixed incomes, and with today’s cost of living, finding safe and affordable housing has become increasingly challenging. The need for long-term solutions is urgent,” she said, adding that there are currently only two available apartments in Patten.
Additionally, several of the seniors living in the Hathaway Apartments do not drive because of age or other limitations, and prior to the fire would walk across the street for groceries and other needs, Woods said.
“The Patten Town Office is working diligently to support displaced residents in every way possible. This includes coordinating resources and actively working to secure both temporary and permanent housing solutions,” she said.
A GoFundMe account has been established for Patten fire victims. Woods said that they are hoping to raise $65,000 to give each victim $5,000 for first and last month’s rent and to get back on their feet.
The community has organized several fundraising efforts, with two major benefit events taking place this weekend.
On Saturday, The Slice in Island Falls will be hosting a Karaoke Fundraiser, with a door charge and additional donations being collected. All proceeds from this event will go directly to Patten fire victims.
On Sunday, the Sherman Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a Benefit Supper at the Sherman Rec Department, featuring a spaghetti dinner and potluck. All donations and proceeds from this event will be donated to the Patten Fire Fund.
Woods said that anyone who would like to assist with other donations or housing can call her at 207-746-7880 or the Patten Town Office at 207-528-2215.
The fire originated toward the rear of the garage, but the use of an excavator hindered the fire investigator’s ability to determine the cause, according to Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety.
The Patten Fire Department was assisted by Island Falls, Oakfield, Sherman, Stacyville, Mount Chase, Medway and Houlton fire departments and Island Falls Ambulance and Patten Ambulance.