A short-staffed fire department rescued two people from a house fire in Chester on Saturday.
The fire was reported just after 8 p.m. at 181 Woodville Road, according to Lincoln Fire Department Lt. Dan Silva. The blaze was on the district’s outskirts and only four firefighters were on duty, the “worst staffing level,” given the department’s configuration, Silva said.
Firefighters were unable to enter the home initially due to heavy fire at the front entrance but located two elderly residents at the back of the home trying to escape. Firefighter Nate Chandler was able to help the occupants out through the back porch, and one collapsed in the driveway before reaching the ambulance, Silva said. Both residents suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to Penobscot Valley Hospital where they were reported to be in stable condition.
“This crew defied the odds tonight, and two people are still living because of their willingness to push the envelope,” Silva said. “Staffing matters. Full-time firefighters in the firehouse […] makes a difference. Response times matter.”
The fire is not considered suspicious at this time. The home is expected to be a total loss.