Fire destroys garage on Route 69 in Hampden [Bangor Daily News, Maine]

Oct. 30--HAMPDEN, Maine -- A garage owned by a Hampden mechanic was leveled by fire on Wednesday afternoon.

Hampden fire Lt. Frank Coombs said at the scene on Route 69 crews do not know how the blaze started.

"We were leaving our station on Western Avenue and we could see a heavy black cloud of smoke," Coombs said.

The garage, located on the property of Keith Gould, was fully involved when firefighters got to the scene, Coombs said.

"We hit it as hard as we could to try to save the structure," said Coombs.

Water pressure was an issue for firefighters, Coombs explained.

"We ran out of water a couple times," he said. "Unfortunately the structure of the garage was pretty much gone by the time we got here."

Coombs said Gould was outside and uninjured when crews arrived at the scene.

Firefighters were able to save Gould's nearby house from any damage. Coombs said firefighters never entered the garage.

"We were concerned with the chemicals, not knowing what's in there," said Coombs.

The lieutenant said it's unclear if Gould was doing any work inside the garage when the fire broke out. He had oils, greases, chemicals and propane tanks in and near the garage, Coombs said.

Coombs added he is undecided whether the fire marshal's office will be called.

"Once we talk to Mr. Gould, we might be able to determine what happened," he said. It's also unknown whether Gould had insurance, Coombs added.

Firefighters from Hampden, Newburgh, Winterport, Carmel, Hermon, Etna and Dixmont went to the scene.

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