BETHEL — A two-story home recently renovated for rental was destroyed in an early Monday morning fire at 1902 Intervale Road.

There were no injuries and the cause is under investigation, Bethel Fire Chief Mike Jodrey said.

“Basically, it was a ‘surround and drown’ scenario where you just put it out, you’re not going to save anything,” he said.

The fire was reported about 4:30 a.m. by a passing motorist, and by the time Bethel firefighters traveled 11 miles to get to the scene the house was engulfed in flames. Water was pumped from a pond on the Hastings farm and from Round Pond in Greenwood, Jodrey said.

Neighbor Sonny Hastings, 89, said he saw firefighters draining water across from his house on Intervale Road and went to see the house that was burning.

Among his memories, he said, were that his first school teacher, Mrs. Newmarker, lived in an upstairs apartment. His school, The East Bethel Schoolhouse, now closed was across the street.

Hastings said he was sorry to see the house go but glad there was no loss of life.

The fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause, Jodrey said.

The house was built in 1909 and had balloon frame construction, meaning there are no firebreaks in the walls.

Jodrey said it was recently renovated for renters who were planning to move in this Friday.

Bethel was assisted by departments from Newry, Greenwood, Woodstock and Rumford.

Comments are not available on this story.

« Previous

Gardening webinars offered

Next »

Vote Tuesday