SABATTUS — A couple and their three sons lost their home Wednesday morning when flames from a basement dryer ripped through the two-story house at 89 Greene St.
Tina and Todd Nadeau lived in the house with their three children. An adult, a dog and several cats got out safely, according to fire officials and family friends.
All pets were safe and accounted for by the time the fire was knocked down, according to family friends. Firefighters were seen bringing at least one cat outside.
Fire crews from Greene, Sabattus, Lisbon, Monmouth, Lewiston and Wales responded to the 10:30 a.m. blaze. Investigators determined it started in a dryer in the basement.
According to Sabattus Fire Chief Troy Cailler, the first crews encountered heavy smoke. As firefighters entered the building, they discovered fire in the basement.
Cailler said balloon-style construction allowed the fire to move quickly throughout the house. Crews cut vent holes in the walls and roof to get to flames. By the time the flames were knocked down, the home was considered a total loss, he said, due to smoke, fire and water damage.
The Sabattus Fire Department investigated the cause. Crews remained at the scene until after 1:30 p.m.
According to a fundraiser set up for the family later Wednesday, the house is considered a complete loss. The GoFundMe page was seeking donations to help the family replace clothes and other items.
“They are having to start over completely after raising their boys and creating so many memories in that home,” according to the fundraiser. “Tina and Todd both work full-time jobs but will need to be able to take some time off to be able to get their affairs in order.”
By 5 p.m., the fundraiser had raised more than $5,000, roughly half of the $10,000 goal.
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