WILTON – An electrical fire that started this afternoon caused considerable smoke and water damage to the former Bass Shoe building located at 284 Main Street; the fire was deemed accidental electrical by the Fire Marshall on site.
Wilton Fire and Rescue Chief Sonny Dunham said the call came at 12:15 p.m. for a fire located outside the multi-unit building, the caller said the fire was heading toward the building. One of the large transformers on the Wilson Stream side of the building had reportedly shorted out, causing the sparks.
“It went right up and into the fourth floor of the building,” Dunham said.
The building, owned by Randy Cousineau, is home to 10 apartments and 10 businesses, including Calzolaio Pasta Co., Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice and others. The fourth floor is residential.
Dunham said their team, along with departments from Farmington, Jay, Chesterville, New Sharon, Weld, East Dixfield and Livermore Falls, had to cut into the roof of the building to access the fire. They were able to extinguish the flames at 2:30 p.m.
Roughly 20 people had to evacuate the building according to Dunham. There were no injuries and insurance agency representatives were on site by the time Dunham left the scene.
Geez the dumpster fire of 2020 continues. Randy is having a rough month!
Really ! Chris shut it off. This is big for Wilton. Leave your comments elsewhere. Where no one can hear them.
I appreciate Randy and cousineau property’s. Been really good to me as a contractor. Wilton should feel the same. He will make repairs and take care of all.. he’s done alot for Wilton. This is just another setback to be overcome. Happens to us all on occasion.
great job by all the local fire departments. lucky to have them. lucky to have randy investing in wilton as you are right dude, he will fix it
I thought that was funny Chris! Hometown dude,What happens to all of us?? Getting busted by the DEA and FBI ?? No I don’t think so!! I am thankful for the maintenance workers that helped get people out of there apartments!!!