At approximately 2330 on Monday night, York Village and York Beach Fire departments were requested to respond mutual aid to Eliot for a structure fire. Originally, York Village was requested with a tanker to the scene, an engine to cover, and the SMART truck. York Beach was requested with Engine 5 to cover. While enroute, Engine 5 was diverted to the scene as well as Engine 4. Engines 5 and 6 (both tanker/pumpers) arrived at approximately the same time and Village and Beach firefighters worked together to establish the tanker shuttle as the crews on scene were out of water and the fire was progressing rapidly. Eliot and Kittery firefighters mounted an aggressive interior attack and search effort for the woman reported to be trapped in the building, but the fire had too much of a headstart, and the lack of nearby fire hydrants hindered their efforts.
York Village Fire responded with 14 personnel, crews were on scene until approximately 0630. The cause is still under investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s office. We applaud the efforts of the Kittery and Eliot firefighters for getting inside and making a valiant effort to save the victim’s life, we are saddened by the fact that she could not be saved. Our thoughts are with her family, especially her son who was injured while attempting to rescue his mother from the fire.
This fire had a sad outcome, though we would like to end our story on a high note: The teamwork and professionalism shown by all departments on the scene was exemplary; they were as follows: Eliot, Kittery, Kittery Point, South Berwick, York Village, York Beach, Greenland, NH, and Pease ANG, NH.
