DURHAM — A potentially disastrous fire was averted early Wednesday morning thanks to a monitored alarm system at the Durham Fire and Rescue building on Hallowell Road, fire Chief Bill St. Michel said.
Firefighters were called at 2:28 a.m. and discovered a hanging gas-fired heating unit was smoking in one of the bays. The access panel to the unit was removed, and it was determined the fire in it had gone out.
After ventilating the building and checking all storage areas, the alarm was reset and the five firetrucks and two ambulances were returned to the building.
The monitoring alarm system, while expensive, more than paid for itself in this instance, St. Michel said. Without it, the fire probably wouldn’t have been reported until it was spotted by a passing motorist.
Although the building is insured, the loss of it and the equipment would mean the town would have to rely on other departments.
St. Michel reminded residents Wednesday that when they turn clocks ahead Sunday to daylight saving time they should replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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