Chelsea, Maine – A devastating fire tore through a large manufacturing building in Chelsea this afternoon, resulting in the destruction of multiple sheds and other structures. The blaze, captured in a photo by Kara Taylor, engulfed New England Rent to Own, a manufacturer of sheds and modular homes.
One eyewitness reported calling 911 around 1 p.m. Sunday after witnessing the building consumed by flames. Fire marshals are currently on the scene investigating the cause of the fire, which is believed to have originated from lithium batteries charging power tools inside the building.
The owner of New England Rent to Own confirmed that no employees were present when the fire broke out, ensuring that none of them were harmed. The building primarily housed construction materials, unfinished sheds, and modular homes, which were all lost in the fire.
Additionally, around eight other recently built and vacant buildings also caught fire on the property, impacting more than a dozen workers. The company plans to temporarily relocate these workers to other buildings to continue their operations.
The devastating impact of the fire will significantly slow down the production of affordable homes by New England Rent to Own. To show community support during this challenging time, the company is offering a free raffle on their social media platforms for a mobile home giveaway scheduled for October.
The aftermath of the fire highlights the resilience and challenges faced by businesses dealing with unexpected disasters, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and recovery plans in place. As the investigation continues, the community rallies together to support the affected workers and the company in their rebuilding efforts.