Chelsea, ME - On October 11 at approximately 0520 hours, the Chelsea Fire Department was dispatched to a working building fire located dangerously close to another structure. Upon arrival, crews discovered an old barn fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters quickly deployed two 2½-inch hose lines to initiate an aggressive fire attack. By around 0730 hours, the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, allowing crews to transition to three 1¾-inch attack lines for continued suppression efforts.

At 0800 hours, a local company arrived on scene with heavy equipment to assist in digging out stubborn fire pockets concealed beneath heavy timber debris from the barn. An hour later, at 0900 hours, the Maine Forest Service arrived to aid in the investigation, as it was suspected the property owners had conducted a burn in the area the previous night.

By 1100 hours, the fire was largely extinguished, and firefighters began the final stages of overhaul. All units were cleared from the scene by 1200 hours.

No injuries were reported among firefighters or residents.

The Chelsea Fire Department extended its gratitude to the mutual aid departments that provided critical water support, noting the fire’s remote location without nearby hydrants. Water was supplied via mutual aid tankers and hydrants at Togus and the local elementary school.