Despite Major Challenges With Weather And Manpower, 2 People and 8 Animals Rescued From Corinth House Fire Sunday

Fighting a house fire is a challenge as it is. Add to that extreme weather conditions, possible entrapment of both people and pets, and too few hands on deck, and you have exactly the situation firefighters in Corinth faced early Sunday morning as they responded to the report of a structure fire on the White Schoolhouse Road.

According to a statement released by the Corinth Fire Department, the first person to arrive at the scene was Corinth's Assistant Fire Chief, who went right to work trying to locate the occupants of the home.

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By the time the first fire truck, Corinth Fire Department's Engine 203, carrying one solitary firefighter, arrived at the scene, 13 minutes later, the Assistant Chief had both residents out of harm's way on the porch. All of the pets that had been living inside the home were also rescued. They included 3 dogs, 3 birds, and two cats.

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Initially instructed to help in the rescue and recovery efforts, the firefighter from Engine 203 had to pivot and immediately work on fire suppression efforts, being one of the only people on scene at the time. Quick work was made of setting up a fire hose line from the truck to the residence.

Shortly after the first engine responded, a second arrived on the scene, again carrying just one firefighter. A barebones ambulance crew from Corinth came after them.

Authorities believe the fire originated near the chimney, within the ceiling of the home.

Despite their small numbers, this responding crew, assisted by mutual aid partners from over half-a-dozen neighboring towns, including Levant, Hudson, Glenburn, Kenduskeag, Bradford, Dover-Foxcroft, Dexter, Charleston, Bradford, and Corinna, worked for over 3 hours in the frigid, single-digit temperatures to keep the flames from spreading.

"This fire presented crews with many complications: freezing temperatures, shorthanded, firefighting during key moments of fire attack and victim removal, and a stubborn, deep-seated fire in the attic space. All these challenges were able to be overcome with tenacious work and professionalism displayed by responding crews."

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The Corinth Fire Department says that it was incredible that they were able to save the people, pets, and even some important items from inside the home with the handful of local fire personnel on site. They credit their fellow firefighters from nearby towns for making the difference in Sunday morning's effort.

"The Corinth fire department ultimately had six personnel respond to this incident. With the decline of volunteerism, mutual aid is heavily relied upon, and our mutual aid partners are always willing to lend a hand."

Authorities say the home is a total loss. Fire officials remind folks that it's important to have chimneys cleaned and inspected every year, and to have working smoke detectors installed inside every residence.