OLD TOWN – A fire on Sunday night (Dec. 16) displaced two people at The Holy Family Rectory at the corner of main and Carroll Streets.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Dave Daniel, the fire was reported at about 9 p.m. Forefighters arrived on scene and found light smoke outside of the building, but heavier smoke once they got inside, with a fire in the basement, contained to the basement ceiling and floor joist bays of the first floor. This was in the area of the fireplace and chimney, said Daniel.

A search of all three floors and basement of the rectory was done, and no occupants were home at time of incident.

Crews made a quick attack, containment and suppression of the fire, working quickly to control and contain the fire to reduce and stop damage to the structure. Crews took their time during overhaul operations to preserve church artifacts and occupants personal items, added Daniel.

Fire and water damage was contained around the fireplace and chimney on the area of the basement and first floor. There was smoke damage throughout the building.

The cause of fire is still under investigation, although the point of origin is the area of the fireplace hearth on the first floor, said Daniel.

The rectory was turned over the Holy Family Parish Maintenance group to secure and plan for repair and clean up. Old Town Fire will continue to work with the church as they rebuild/remodel the rectory, said Daniel. Its two occupants have made alternate living arrangements at this time.

Old Town was assisted by Orono Fire, Milford Fire, Bradley Fire, Bangor Fire, Glenburn Fire and Veazie Fire who was covering calls in Orono / Old Town with a crew from Milford.