HERMON — A 9-year-old boy died when fire swept through a mobile home on Tuesday morning.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland said Wyatt Parker’s body was found by firefighters in the living room of the home at 292 Wing Road.
The fire was reported about 7:15 a.m., Hermon Assistant Chief Eric Pelletier said.
Parker had spent the night at the residence with his cousins Ashlyn Parker, 10, and John Parker, 8, according to McCausland. The homeowners, John Parker and Lacey Reidy, had left the children alone after they got up to go run errands.
Eight-year-old John Parker escaped the residence and was able to flag down passing motorists, who called 911, McCausland said.
Wyatt Parker’s body was found in the living room while Ashlyn Parker was rescued from her bedroom by firefighters, according to McCausland.
Ashlyn Parker was listed in critical condition after the fire, but her status improved later in the day, according to McCausland. She is being treated for smoke inhalation, he said.
Pelletier said heavy smoke was billowing from the home when firefighters arrived, and crews were able to contain the blaze in about 20 minutes.
There were smoke alarms in the home, but it was not clear whether they were functional, Sgt. Tim York of the state fire marshal’s office said Tuesday afternoon. That office’s investigation into the cause of the fire will extend into Wednesday, according to McCausland.
Officials believe the fire started in the kitchen.
Firefighters from Hermon, Levant, Carmel, Glenburn, Bangor and Hampden and a tanker truck from the Air National Guard went to the fire. Some family pets were saved, including a dog that received oxygen from firefighters.
RSU 87 Superintendent John Backus said early Tuesday afternoon that Wyatt Parker had just finished fourth grade at Carmel Elementary School and would have started his first year at Caravel Middle School in the fall.
“Wyatt was a very nice young man and well liked by teachers and staff,” Backus said.
School and district staff met after hearing news of the fire and Parker’s death. Backus said a school counselor and social worker will be at Carmel Elementary School from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday to help any parents, children or families who need to talk. Additional support may be made available as needed.
Backus said the school has notified all staff members of the tragic event.
The school also plans to reach out to the Parker family.
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