PHILLIPS — A couple and their pets escaped their burning home at 81 Toothaker Pond Road before dawn Tuesday, losing it and all their belongings to the flames.

The cause is undetermined because of the extensive damage, Deputy Fire Chief Jim Gould said. The two-story home was insured.

The couple, whose names were not available Tuesday, were woken by smoke alarms about 3 a.m. About 30 firefighters from seven departments responded to the scene and found the house engulfed in flames, Gould said. Water was shuttled about three miles to the scene.

Firefighters were able to keep equipment and trucks from freezing in the below-zero temperature. “It was a constant worry,” Gould said. 

Phillips firefighters were assisted by departments from Kingfield, New Vineyard, Rangeley, Salem Township, Strong and Rangeley. NorthStar EMS ambulance personnel were also on the scene.

The couple are staying with family.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

   

A fire destroyed a house early Tuesday at 81 Toothaker Pond Road in Phillips. Smoke detectors alerted residents to the fire and were able to get out with their pets, Phillips Deputy Fire Chief Jim Gould said. (Phillips Fire Department)

A fire destroyed a house early Tuesday on Toothaker Pond Road in Phillips. Smoke detectors alerted residents to the fire and they were able to get out with their pets, Phillips Deputy Fire Chief Jim Gould said. (Phillips Fire Department)