03/07/2026
Yesterday, March 6, around 10 am Litchfield Fire & Rescue was dispatched to Plains Road near the West Gardiner town line for a structure fire. The home was a total loss and sadly, one pet was lost as well. There were no other injuries or fatalities. Litchfield was greatly helped by our mutual aid partners in the firefighting operation. The fire had a good head start before it was discovered, when the homeowner returned. The Fire Marshal’s Office investigated. The cause appears to be accidental. The homeowner’s family and friends were there throughout. The presence of so many friends and family in support of the homeowner was amazing, their help was greatly appreciated.
We relied heavily on our mutual aid departments for the fire ground operations and water supply, without them our task would have been impossible. Wales, Gardiner, West Gardiner, Richmond, and Sabattus were all a part of the first alarm. Manchester, Bowdoinham and Monmouth also responded when requested for the ongoing fire fighting and the overhaul phase of the operation. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.
CMP was also called to de energize the power to the home. McGee Construction responded at the end of the fire, with an excavator to assist with overhaul and final extinguishment. My thanks to these companies for their support.
Augusta RCC, our dispatching agency, did a fantastic job coordinating the numerous requests coming from the fire scene, often with broken radio traffic and the challenges of high work load. My thanks to the tireless professionals who staff the radios and answer the 911 calls. Their’s is a job often overlooked, but may in fact be one of the most challenging jobs on any fire. They do not have the benefit of first hand information and must piece everything together as it is told to them, often with little clarity. Thank you to our dispatchers! Your service is invaluable.
My thanks extends to the investigators of the Fire Marshals Office, who’s timely arrival and efficient investigation led to a seamless transition from fire attack to overhaul and conclusion of operations.
I wish also to thank all those who contributed refreshments to those working this call. West Gardiner Fire, Litchfield Firefighters Association and members of the public all provided snacks and drinks to assist the crews working the fire.
Finally I wish to thank the members of Litchfield Fire & Rescue for their ongoing commitment to volunteer service in the Town of Litchfield and our surrounding communities. My sincere thanks to each of you.
When you write a message like this you run the risk of missing someone who helped. If I failed to mention an agency or a person that assisted us, my humble apologies. The error is mine alone.
Stay Safe and God Bless,
Chief Sherman
Litchfield Fire & Rescue
