DURHAM – The State Fire Marshal’s Office has confirmed that a fast-moving fire that destroyed a large garage and contents at 151 Auburn Pownal Road Wednesday was accidentally started by fuel that caused an explosion.
Durham Fire Chief Bill St. Michel said the owner, Roland Poulin Jr., told fire officials he was transferring fuel from one gas tank to another in the garage when it got into an electric motor and exploded.
Poulin suffered burns to his hands but otherwise escaped apparent injury. Damage to the 40-by 70-foot garage and contents, which included a van, equipment, numerous woodworking tools and a generator, was estimated at between $75,000 and $125,000, according to St. Michel. Firemen were successful in preventing the fire from spreading to Poulin’s nearby home, although heat from the fire caused the shutters, vinyl trim on the windows, meter box and window shades to melt.
Several area fire departments responded to assist at the 5 p.m. fire, including New Gloucester, Freeport, Pownal, Lisbon and Lisbon Falls.
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