VAN BUREN, ME — A fire that started from a pellet stove destroyed two buildings on Main Street early Sunday morning.
The Van Buren Fire Department responded to 58 Main Street at approximately 11:23 p.m. Saturday after the building’s owner reported the fire.
The owner discovered the fire after hearing crackling sounds and finding flames involving his pellet stove.
He attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but the flames continued to spread.
Fire crews arrived to heavy fire conditions.
Due to the proximity of neighboring structures and the risk of further spread, the department used an excavator to perform an emergency demolition of the building while firefighting operations continued.
The fire resulted in the complete loss of 58 Main Street and the adjacent structure at 56 Main Street.
The building at 56 Main Street was unoccupied.
One firefighter sustained injuries after slipping on ice during the response.
The owner of 58 Main Street sustained smoke inhalation.
Both the firefighter and the owner were transported to Cary Medical Center in Caribou.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials say it likely involves the pellet stove.
