Massive Fire Damages Barn Owned By Central Maine Business

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety's Shannon Moss, a Wednesday night fire caused significant damage to a longtime Randolph business, but quick action from firefighters and a former employee helped prevent an even bigger loss.

Just after 8 PM on June 3, crews from the Randolph Fire Department were called to 9 Barber Road for reports of a structure fire.  When firefighters arrived, they found a barn at Coutts Brothers, Inc. already heavily involved in flames.

The fire tore through the building and damaged a variety of equipment and supplies used by the company, including snowplows, power line equipment, tires, and other materials.  Several items stored outside and behind the barn were also damaged, with some expected to be total losses.

Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to the scene that evening and got to work trying to determine what sparked the blaze. With help from heavy equipment supplied by Coutts Brothers, investigators examined the fire scene, reviewed surveillance footage, and conducted witness interviews.

Their investigation determined the fire started in an open-air lean-to attached to the north end of the building.

While the exact cause remains under investigation, officials say there's currently no indication the fire was intentionally set or otherwise suspicious.

Authorities also credited local firefighters and a former employee of the company for helping limit the extent of the damage, preventing what could have been an even more devastating fire.