NEW GLOUCESTER – Fire ravaged a 150-year-old farmhouse, attached ell and barn on Bald Hill Road Monday morning, claiming the family cat while the owner was at work.
Catherine Verrill said she left for work at 6:30 a.m. after leaving her dog, Nakita, with her parents who live nearby.
A number of passersby called 911 around 9 a.m. when they saw flames leaping out of the building’s windows and smoke coming from the ell.
More than 75 fire and rescue workers from eight towns responded to New Gloucester’s call for assistance, said Fire Capt. Roger Levasseur.
Firefighters from New Gloucester, Auburn, Gray, Pownal, Durham, Windham, Brunswick, Gorham and Yarmouth were at the scene through the morning working to quell the stubborn blaze. New Gloucester Firefighter Jeff Hamilton said it took roughly three hours to get the fire under control.
Fire Lt. John Rioux said the farm’s heavy timbers and balloon frame made the fire hard to fight since the entire area was open and flames darted back and forth in many directions.
Verrill, the homeowner, said her wood stove was not in use at the time of the fire. She fought back tears as friends and family stood by to support her at the scene. She later learned that her cat perished in the fire.
Verrill said she was told by an inspector from the State Fire Marshal’s Office that the fire apparently began the day before in the chimney of the living quarters between the first and second floors and smoldered, extending into the walls throughout the night before finally erupting after she left for work.
“I was told it wasn’t a typical chimney fire that shot flames into the air,” she said.
However, fire officials said Monday afternoon that the cause was under investigation.
By mid-afternoon crews had opened up the roof and torn down side sections of the Cape Cod-style farmhouse.
The living portion of the farmhouse is considered a loss, but the barn may be able to be saved, Verrill said.
The farmhouse is owned by Verrill and her parents, Howard and Barbara Verrill. Catherine Verrill’s aunt lived in the house for 50 years and Verrill has lived there for 20 years.
The building was insured. New Gloucester tax maps indicate the dwelling was built in 1850 and that the farm building is assessed at $120,000.
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