Richmond Auto Shop Destroyed in Large Structure Fire

Richmond, Maine — September 7 — On Monday afternoon, firefighters from Richmond and surrounding departments rushed to a major structure fire at A&W Auto Sales and Service, located at 165 Brunswick Road. 

The first fire department to arrive was the Richmond Fire Department. The fire was reported just after 12:30 p.m. and crews arrived to discover intense fire conditions inside the garage. A second alarm was called in, summoning more firefighters, tankers, and additional resources from nearby communities. 

Topsham Fire & Rescue was one of the departments that provided mutual aid support. Additional departments that responded to the scene were Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Woolwich, Lisbon, Pittston, Gardiner, West Gardiner, Litchfield, Dresden, and Farmingdale, as well as Topsham. Reports show that over a dozen departments participated in the regional response. 

The fire caused significant damage to the auto sales and repair shop as well as the apartment situated above the garage. The building was deemed a complete loss. Two residents of the apartment were forced to relocate. 

One employee sustained minor burns and smoke inhalation and was treated on-site without requiring hospital transport. 

The Maine State Fire Marshal's Office concluded that the fire started when a vehicle ignited due to welding being performed on it inside the garage. The fire quickly extended across the entire building and to other vehicles in the yard. The investigators determined that the fire was accidental.