10/11/2026
Town of New Gloucester, Maine
New Gloucester Fire Rescue
Press Release
Prepared by: Captain Chris Gill
Number of Alarms: Second Alarm
Incident Commander: Captain Chris Gill
Incident Number: 26-NG0615
Incident Date and Time: October 11, 2026 - 02:08 A.M.
Incident Location: 1046 Lewiston Rd, New Gloucester, Maine
Number of NGFR personnel in response: 6
First NGFR unit on scene: NG Engine 3
General Incident Description: At 02:08, New Gloucester Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire at Links Variety. New Gloucester Engine 3 was enroute within 2 minutes of the dispatch. Engine 3 arrived on scene and found smoke showing from the eves of the building and upgraded the assignment to the all hands. A 1 ¾” hose line was deployed to the front of the building and crews entered the building to locate the fire. The fire was in the rear of the storage room, and the bulk of the fire was knocked down with tank water from Engine 3 and the first hose line. A second 1 ¾” hose line deployed form Auburn’s engine.
Upon arrival of additional apparatus and personnel, a 2 1/4” hose line was deployed to the side of the building to assist with extinguishment and overhaul. Due to conditions of the interior of the building and the deep-seated nature of the fire, a second alarm was struck for manpower.
New Gloucester Crews remained on scene until 07:05 extinguishing hot spots and preforming overhaul. All companies were back in service by 09:04.
Mutual Aid to the Scene: Gray Fire Rescue, Auburn Fire Department, Raymond Fire Rescue, Durham Fire Rescue, North Yarmouth Fire Rescue, Yarmouth Fire Rescue
Mutual Aid to the Station: Windham Fire with an engine and ambulance for station coverage
Water Supply: Approximately 5000 total gallons used, water supply was established at a pressurized hydrant in New Gloucester.
Injuries: None
Investigation: The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office responded, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
PSA: We would like to thank the passerby who called 911 and remained on scene. Without this call, the loss would have been exceptionally worse. Quite often, we get calls from a passerby reporting a fire and they continue their way. Without their assistance, this can make it difficult at times to find an emergency. If you are concerned enough to call, please try and remain on scene to assist responders in locating the emergency.
Additional Message: We would also like to highlight the mutual aid system. There were multiple other fires in the local area at the same time. While infrequent, having robust response plans in place helps ensure resources are allocated appropriately and all incidents can be taken care of. This is an excellent example of the mutual aid system at work.
Chris Gill
Captain
New Gloucester Fire Rescue
611 Lewiston Road
New Gloucester, ME 04260
207-926-4142
