RANGELEY — The cause of a fire that ripped through a barn and shed and heavily damaged an attached house on Allen Street late Sunday afternoon is still under investigation, Fire/Rescue Chief Rudy Davis said Monday.

The structures were fully involved when firefighters arrived on the scene.

“We did manage to save some of the house but the rest was burned flat,” Davis said. “The house was heavily damaged.”

About 17 firefighters responded to the fire at about 5 p.m.

The house and barn were mostly used by the owner, Odie Bacheldor of Langtown Township, who also owns Rangeley Plumbing, to store plumbing supplies.

Davis said he called in state fire investigators to try to determine the cause.

“We do not necessarily suspect foul play,” Davis said. “We just want to find out what caused it.”

There was no insurance on the building, he said.

State fire investigator Edward Hastings IV visited the scene on Monday.

“The cause is still under investigation,” Hastings said. It may take a week or so to determine what it was, he added.

Firefighters cleared the site at about 9 p.m. but had to return to put out rekindled fires during the night. The property was checked throughout the night.

The Department’s Ladies Auxiliary stood by with food and drinks for the firefighters.

Bacheldor, who was on his way to vacation in Florida, said Monday via his cell phone, that he spoke with police and fire officials.

“They told me there was nothing I could do,” Bacheldor said, so he decided to continue with his vacation plans.

He stored both plumbing supplies and tools in both buildings.

He said he may have some insurance through his business policy on his supplies and tools.

“When I get back, I’ll pick up the pieces and get going,” Bacheldor said.

dperry@sunjournal.com