Fire displaces Eastport families |
| September 25, 2011 |
|
An early morning fire destroyed an Eastport-area
home Saturday, displacing not one but two
families, now temporarily staying in a motel
provided for by the Red Cross. According to Hall Mountain Fire Chief Brad Lowther, the home of Robert and Jeananne Hilborn, 147 Old Addy Road, was already on the ground when fire crews arrived after being paged out at about 4 a.m. September 24. Their daughter, Kimberly Atkinson, who lived there with her parents and her five children, tried to call for help by cell phone, but the area is without cell service and she wasn't able to get through. Fortunately, agents with the U.S. Border Patrol saw the flames, responded to the home and helped everyone get out, called for help and stayed on scene until firefighters arrived. "We're lucky to have these guys in our community," Lowther said. "You don't hear much about it, but they are always there when we need them." According to Lowther, Atkinson said that the house destroying blaze began from a cooking fire. An investigation into the cause is continuing, but Lowther said there's very little left to work with. The Hall Mountain Fire Auxiliary, led by President Lois Weakly, is working to help put the two family's lives back together, collecting donated clothes, household items and all the things they'll need to get back on their feet, as well as working to find a suitable rental to keep them through the coming winter until their home can be rebuilt. Those who'd like to help can call her at (208) 267-3769. |