By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Two off-duty Connecticut firefighters rescued two sleeping residents from a burning house in Scarborough, Maine on July 29 after discovering the fire while en route to Old Orchard Beach.
- Firefighter/paramedics Brandon Seney and Dylan Vincent, members of the East Putnam Fire Department, observed smoke and immediately stopped to investigate, finding fire traveling up the rear of the 2 1/2-story structure to the roof line.
- The firefighters made entry into the home, located two adults sleeping on the first floor, woke them, and safely evacuated both occupants from the building.
- Seney and Vincent then deployed a fire extinguisher and garden hose to attempt to contain the fire until responding Scarborough Fire Department crews arrived and brought the blaze under control.
- The fire was determined to be accidental; all residents escaped uninjured, though one Maine firefighter was transported to a hospital for evaluation, treated, and released.
SCARBOROUGH, MAINE — Two off-duty Connecticut firefighters rescued two residents from a burning home on July 29 after detecting fire at a residence while vacationing in the area.
Brandon Seney and Dylan Vincent, who serve with the East Putnam Fire Department and as career firefighters with additional departments, were traveling toward Old Orchard Beach when they observed smoke emanating from a 2 1/2-story residential structure on Sea Meadows Lane around 12:25 p.m.
Seney and Vincent immediately stopped to investigate the source of the smoke. Upon closer examination, they determined that fire was actively traveling up the rear exterior of the house and extending to the roof line.
The two firefighters made entry into the residence and discovered two adults sleeping on the first floor. Seney and Vincent awakened the occupants and safely escorted both individuals from the building before the fire could trap them inside.
After ensuring resident evacuation, Seney and Vincent employed a fire extinguisher and garden hose in an attempt to contain and slow the fire’s progression until responding Scarborough Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene.
Scarborough Fire Department crews brought the structure fire under control shortly after 1 p.m. Fire investigators determined the blaze to be accidental in origin.
Deputy Fire Chief John Brennan of the Scarborough Fire Department stated that the two residents escaped without injury due to the rapid response and actions of Seney and Vincent. Brennan noted that one Scarborough firefighter was transported to a hospital for evaluation following firefighting operations; the firefighter was treated and released.
The East Putnam Fire Department commended Seney and Vincent in public statements, characterizing their actions as exemplifying the dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting others that the department strives to instill in its membership.
Brennan stated the Scarborough Fire Department appreciates the assistance provided by the Connecticut firefighters during the incident.