Investigation Underway After Fire Destroys Garage In Patten

A massive fire at a commercial garage in Patten left one building leveled, and greatly damaged another building that was nearby.

The Maine Department of Public Safety says firefighters arrived to the Outback Garage at 6 Main Street in Patten just after 4:30 AM to flames that were out of control and spreading to a neighboring apartment building.

Patten Fire, Maine Department of Public Safety

Fire crews from Sherman, Oakfield, Stacyville, Medway, Mt. Chase, Houlton and Island Falls responded to assist the Patten Fire Department in fighting the fire.

"Two tenants who lived in an apartment above the garage were able to escape safely. The building is considered a total loss. The fire also spread to a nearby apartment building, causing significant damage and displacing 8 tenants of the apartment building."

Investigators from the state Fire Marshal's Office were called to the scene that afternoon.

Fire crews needed to use an excavator to get the blaze under control, which later hampered investigators from being able to pinpoint what caused the fire in the first place.

Patten Fire, Maine Department of Public Safety

Officials believe the fire began towards the back of the garage, but also can't rule out a wood stove at the location, either.

The Fire Marshal's Office has investigated over a dozen fires in the month of December along.

The Red Cross has been working to find temporary lodging for tenants who were displaced by Wednesday's fire.

The organization estimates that they have responded with aid and services to over 250 residential fires in Maine since the beginning of the year.

Fire officials are reminding home owners to use caution when relying on alternative heat sources, and to make sure all homes are equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.