Update Feb. 25, 2025:

A housefire in Hope that injured a homeowner and claimed the lives of a dog and cat has been categorized as accidental, according to Hope Fire Chief Clarence Keller. The cause is believed to have originated from a combustible material that was too close to a woodstove. 

"We are very fortunate the outcome was not much worse than it was," said Keller. "We can not reiterate enough of safety around wood burning appliances and the need for working smoke alarms."

HOPE — A homeowner was transported to MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital as a result of a house fire Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

The house, at 34 Sacoia Ridge Way, was under construction at the time of the call, which was transmitted to firefighters via text pre-alert at 9:28 a.m. The second floor had been habitable for the owner, while the first floor remained a garage-like space.

As one of the first emergency vehicles on scene, NorthEast Mobile Health Services was able to load the patient into the rig and proceed to the hospital quickly, making room along the narrow one-lane road and driveway for a Hope fire truck and a Camden fire truck. All other apparatus parked on Barnestown Road, requiring firefighters from Hope, Camden, Lincolnville, and Rockport to walk to the scene along the ice-covered snowpack.

The fire is believed to have started in the center of the second floor. A woodstove is located in that area, however more information is needed before confirming a cause. The Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified.

A dog and a cat died at the scene.

Barnestown Road was closed between Soaring Eagle Lane on the west side and, on the east, a few houses up from Sacioa Ridge Way.

Rockport firefighters returned to their station at approximately 12:35 p.m. Camden left just prior to 1 p.m., and the last remaining fire units left the scene just after 1 p.m.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com