Fire crews from five communities battled a fire on New Year's Eve that destroyed a service station on Main Street in Fort Fairfield and threatened nearby buildings.

The Fort Fairfield Fire Department responded to the blaze at Bob's Service and Repair at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, according to Fire Chief Vince Baldwin.

Fort Fairfield Police Department
Fort Fairfield Police Department
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When crews arrived, the flames had extended to the exterior of an adjacent three-story apartment building owned by a Mr. Hanson. The fire on the outside of the apartment house was stopped and all other exposures were protected, Baldwin said. The building was evacuated and all of the tenants were relocated for the night.

Fort Fairfield received mutual aid from Easton, Limestone, Presque Isle and Caribou Fire Departments.

Chief Baldwin said the cold weather and the amount of hazardous materials present in the garage made the efforts of extinguishing the fire take longer. Crews were on scene until  just after 3:00 a.m. on New Year's Day.

Bob's Service and Repair, which is owned by Robert Kilcollins, was completely destroyed by the fire. The building was insured, Baldwin said.

Fort Fairfield Police Department
Fort Fairfield Police Department
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The three-story apartment building was saved, but had some damage. The other adjacent building on Main Street–Advance Auto Parts–was not damaged in the blaze.

Fort Fairfield Police Department and Crown Ambulance were also on scene. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Chief Baldwin said they would like to thank all those who helped and donated coffee to the first responders.

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