A Barters Island home is a total loss following a pre-Thanksgiving electrical fire. Boothbay Fire Department responded to an emergency call at 7 a.m. Nov. 27 at 167 West Side Road after homeowner Gayle Pinkham called 911. Pinkham reported smoke and fire coming from the living room. The fire spread upstairs and was extinguished by Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Edgecomb firefighters about four hours later. 

Boothbay Fire Chief Dick Spofford reported the house had extensive smoke, fire and water damage. “The fire began in the living room due to an electrical problem and spread upstairs. I’d say it’s a total loss.” Pinkham’s husband Kelo had left for work. Gayle Pinkham escaped the fire and called for help from a neighbor’s home. Later in the morning,  a state fire marshal  investigation determined an electrical problem caused the blaze, according to Spofford. 

The Pinkhams stayed with relatives in Boothbay following the fire, according to Spofford.