A rapid response and aggressive interior attack by fire crews prevented a structure fire from fully consuming a home on Farnham Point Road, East Boothbay late Tuesday afternoon, June 30.

At 4:15 p.m., Lincoln County Communications dispatched a first-alarm assignment for a reported structure fire at 7 Farnham Point Road, which is also the location of East Boothbay Landscaping. The alarm immediately drew a multi-agency response, pulling in crews from the Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport fire departments. Edgecomb Fire Department provided primary station coverage for Boothbay during the deployment.

First-arriving crews from the East Boothbay fire station — operating Engine 1 and Tank 1 — were on the scene within eight minutes of the initial call. They encountered extensive fire involving the first floor and the garage, with heavy smoke emanating from the second-story windows and roof line.

Boothbay Fire Chief Tim Pinkham immediately established command and directed Engine 1 to establish attack lines. Crews quickly deployed a 1½-inch cross lay and 300 feet of hose, with Engine 1 Pump Operator Robbie Ham establishing a steady water and required hose pressure. Firefighters Kirk Fisher and Lieutenant Jonathan Tindal made an aggressive first entry into the building. Their rapid interior attack stopped the fire from spreading deeper into the home.

Following the initial knock-down, additional interior crews were deployed to search the second floor and extinguish remaining hot spots.

"We were fortunate in being able to get firefighters and apparatus to the scene very quickly, and we had an outstanding mutual aid response and support," noted Chief Pinkham. "Having apparatus located at our East Boothbay station and within one mile of the structure was critical. An aggressive interior attack allowed us to get a quick stop on the fire, and we were able to restrict the fire primarily to the garage."

Fire operations and suppression efforts were also aided by nearby fire hydrants on Ocean Point Road. Apparatus and fire crews from Southport and Boothbay Harbor Fire were used to relay a continuous water supply to the Boothbay pumpers at the fire scene.

Twelve fire apparatus from the four departments and 44 first responders — firefighters, police, EMS and fire support operations personnel — responded to the incident.

The extended operation required significant community and logistical support. Boothbay Region Ambulance Service was on the scene to provide medical support and rehabilitation for the firefighters working in high heat, smoke and extended fire suppression operations. Boothbay Region Fire Auxiliary supplied necessary food and hydration to the first responders. Additionally, Boothbay Harbor Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office provided traffic control and scene support, as a section of Ocean Point Road had to be closed for a period of time to ensure the safety of the operating fire crews and apparatus.

While the incident is under investigation, initial findings indicate the fire was accidental.

Crews remained on the scene for about three hours. Following the incident, firefighters returned to their stations to repack hundreds of feet of fire hose, refuel apparatus and check safety equipment to ensure the departments were ready for the next call.

Fire officials remind the public, as a general fire safety recommendation, to close all doors when leaving a residence or commercial structure. Additionally, should a fire occur, exit the structure immediately, call 911 and close all doors behind you as you leave. A fire doubles in size every 30 seconds and open doors and windows create drafts that can rapidly fuel a fire and accelerate its spread.