Initial investigation points to a fire spread from a controlled burn
information and photos released by Orondo Fire
Just after 4:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Orondo Fire was toned to a structure fire two miles north of Orondo. First arriving units found a wind driven fire burning in arborvitaes up a steep hillside directly into a large home.
The fire was attacked by 54 firefighters from seven fire agencies and Waterville Ambulance. Water was trucked in with water tenders with two fire engines proving the pumping resources. Fed by gusting winds spread quickly causing the fire to grow out of control. The home was total loss as well as one vehicle in the garage.
There were no injuries.
Initial investigation believes the fire spread from a controlled burn. Orondo Fire suggests all homeowners evaluate their home using Firewise criteria limiting burnables in radius of 30 feet and reduced fuels to 100 feet. Arborvitaes and junipers are a severe fire risk spreading fire quickly with an extreme fuel load and should not be planted near residences.
