Fire Breaks Out At Open Hearth Inn In Trenton, Maine

March 30th UPDATE - The State Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene of the fire at the Open Hearth Inn in Trenton. According to Shannon Moss

Due to the extent of the damage and structural collapse, the origin and the cause of the fire could not be definitively determined. However at this time, the investigation indicates the fire was accidental

There was a major fire at the Open Hearth Inn in Trenton located at 1147 Bar Harbor Road on Saturday morning, March 28th.

Trenton crews were toned out at 2:56 a.m. and they didn't have far to travel, as the Inn was a stone's throw from the fire department. According to the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department's press release, crews arrived to active flames and heavy smoke conditions in the middle of the building.

Firefighters initiated an immediate attack to contain and extinguish the blaze; however, operations were complicated by downed, live electrical wires in the operating area. Crews had to work around the live electrical wires until Versant could shut the power off and insure that the wires were not a hazard to the firefighters.

During the early morning hours the firefighters had to not only battle the fire but also the below freezing temperatures and widespread icy and slippery conditions.

Due to the extent of fire involvement, mutual aid resources were requested from across Hancock County and surrounding areas. These resources were requested to provide tankers due to inadequate water resources. Assisting departments included Ellsworth, Lamoine, Hancock, Sullivan, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Penobscot, Blue Hill, Brooklin, Mariaville, Eastbrook, Sedgwick, Sorrento, and Surry Fire Departments. Dedham Fire Department provided station coverage for Ellsworth, and Franklin Fire Department established a secondary water supply. Their rapid response and coordinated efforts were instrumental in bringing the fire under control. Additionally, other fire departments were requested by responding fire departments to cover their towns while engaged in helping Trenton.

All guests were safely evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews. No injuries were reported. Displaced occupants were assisted with relocation to alternate accommodations.

Staff of Ohana Inns at the Open Hearth provided food and hot beverages to crews working on scene during these difficult conditions.

Crews remained on scene for several hours conducting suppression and overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. Trenton units cleared the scene at approximately 11:30 a.m. and spent an additional 2.5 hours returning apparatus and equipment to service to ensure operational readiness.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Trenton Fire Department had responded to a dumpster fire on the property on March 25th.