Weekend Fire Destroys One Building, Shuts Down Another In Millinocket

The State Fire Marshal's Office is looking into what may have caused a fire that ripped through the old Bank building on Penobscot Avenue in Millinocket this weekend.

It took place just after 7:30 Sunday morning, according to Millinocket Fire Chief/EMA Director, Jon Cote.

Firefighters were made aware of the issue at 181 Penobscot Avenue when a citizen walked into the Millinocket Fire Department that morning to report the fire at that location.

"The building was the old bank, and was unoccupied during the time of the fire, and was not being used."

Chief Cote called in help from East Millinocket and Medway fire departments along with mutual aid from the neighboring towns of Mattawamkeag Fire Department, Lincoln Fire Department, & Howland Fire Department. Brownville Fire Department was asked to act as coverage as when firefighters arrived on the scene, heavy fire and smoke could be seen from all areas of the structure.

"...mutual companies, additional hydrants were set up, and lines deployed, as well as East Millinocket Tower was set up and the master stream device was used off the tower to help extinguish the fire from the top of the building. Crews on scene conducted interior and exterior fire attack operations, with a primary focus on protecting nearby structures in close proximity."

Over 35 firefighters battled for 7 hours, ultimately having to bring an excavator in to make sure the fire was completely extinguished, Chief Cote said.

Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, but have since been treated and released with minor issues.

The building was situated next to multiple other businesses, including Millinocket Town Hall. Many of them sustained smoke damage. The Millinocket Town Office was closed Monday, according to a post on their Facebook Page.

"We will be assessing the situation and coming up with a plan on how to move forward."

Chief Cote says the State Fire Marshal's Office was called in to investigate Sunday's fire. There's no word yet on what may have caused it.