EAST WILTON – A blaze that all but destroyed a two-story home on Cross Street Wednesday evening was caused by a candle.
The home, located at 8 Cross Street, just off Main Street, is owned by Tim and Lisa Thibault. At just after 8 p.m., dispatchers received a call from Lisa Thibault that the house was on fire, with Wilton Fire and Rescue and several other departments responding immediately to the scene.
According to Fire Chief Sonny Dunham, Lisa Thibault and two other family members were home at the time, although no one was inside once firefighters arrived. Farmington’s department provided its ladder truck, which had been at the scene of another house fire in Phillips just a few hours previous, with firefighters supplying it with water shuttled from hydrants. Crews had to work within the the narrow confines of Cross, Church, Temple and other surrounding streets, as well as cope with low temperatures which Dunham said caused firefighters’ airpacks to freeze up.
In addition to Wilton and Farmington, crews from East Dixfield, Jay and Temple responded, with a Chesterville engine standing by at Wilton’s station to provide coverage. Livermore Falls dispatched a Rapid Intervention Team, specializing in rescuing firefighters, which Dunham said was standard procedure in a serious structure fire. NorthStar EMS also responded, although no injuries were reported. As is typical in Wilton, some firefighter wives and neighbors assisted rescue efforts by serving coffee, Dunham said.
The fire was knocked down within the hour. While the outer shell is still standing, he described the home as “totaled.”
“It’s standing,” he said, “but the inside is gone.”
Crews cleared the scene at 12:30 a.m. This morning, Dunham said that a Fire Marshal’s Office investigator had informed his department that a candle had accidentally started the fire.
The Red Cross is assisting the residents in the short-term. Dunham said that he believed the Thibaults had insurance.
I love you Lisa and Tim and we will be here for you. Anything you need we are here… please count on your family and friends LOVE YOU
Please list clothing sizes needed as well as where to bring the items needed .
Years ago we were also burnt out so we know exactly how the victims are feeling .
I am so sorry for your loss, Tim & Lisa. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
After 4 tragic home fires this week alone, we really need to take the time to pay thanks to the many fire fighters who battle these dangerous fires in the most extreme of conditions. You are truly our unsung heros that we do not give nearly enough credit to for the hours of training and volunteerism. The town of Farmingtons ladder truck plays a huge part in saving near by houses and often reducing the extent of blazes. Thank you Farmington Fire Department for responding to the neighboring towns of New Vineyard, Phillips and East Wilton. I encourage the tax payer at all town meetings to remember this week of tragedy when you are making future funding decisions during this difficult economic times.
Uncle Tim and Aunt Lisa Let me know what you need and I will help anyway i can . So sorry for your loss!!! Love you all Lots !!!
Thank God everyone is ok. Let me know if there is anything WE can do.
Lisa and Tim. you are blessed with a large family and several friends who love you very much! We are all here for you and will do whatever it takes to get through this. My spare bedroom is open for as long as you may need it.I am so glad that you are all ok.
Lisa and Tim,My thoughts and prayers are with,let me know if there is anything we can do to help you,take care
Hey guys am so saddened by your loss. glad your ok but call if you think i can help out in any way
Lisa and hubby, my thoughts and prayers are with you, I would love to help in any way please let me know.