NORWAY (WGME) — A home in Norway was destroyed in a fire Friday morning, and the Red Cross is helping several people who lived inside.
Norway firefighters responded to a fire at 2:31 a.m. on Eddie Kahkonen Road in Norway.
Norway Fire Chief David Knox says the homeowner heard a pop then smelled smoke when the fire broke out. Seven people were living in the home, and some were sleeping in the basement.
The chief says all seven people who lived inside made it out OK as well as most pets, but two kittens are unaccounted for.
According to the fire chief, the fire started in the basement.
Upon arrival, crews observed heavy fire conditions originating from the basement, with flames having already extended into the attic, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
The chief says the fire caused such extensive damage, they had to bring in an excavator to pull down walls to fight the fire in the basement.
Seventeen towns responded. The home was two miles away from the nearest hydrant, but Knox says he realized it was a rural area and started a tanker response early, and they were able to keep water coming regularly.
No one in the house was injured, but one firefighter suffered a minor burn to the ear. He was treated and released.
According to the Red Cross Facebook page, the organization is helping the residents who were displaced find a place to stay.
Investigators determined the fire originated in the basement, however the exact cause of the fire remains unknown because the damage is so extensive. The home is a total loss.