An overnight fire in the Midcoast village of Port Clyde has destroyed three businesses, including an iconic general store, a popular restaurant and the offices of the Monhegan Boat Line. Residents of the working fishing community are reeling from the loss of what they describe as the "heart of the village," but are confident that new structures will rise from the ashes.
The fire was first reported late Wednesday, and by Thursday morning, fire crew from multiple surrounding communities were still at the scene, dousing hot spots in the smoking remains as dazed residents looked on.
”Right now people are in a little bit of shock because it's so new,” said lifelong Port Clyde resident Gerry Cushman.
Cushman said he's been trying to offer help in anyway he can. On his walk down toward the scene this morning, he stopped to talk with two other residents, Donnice and David Weitemeyer.
“You know everybody’s really sad that this has happened and I hope they find out what the cause is and they can deal with that whatever it is,” Donnice Weitemeyer said.
Donnice Weitemeyer says she's confident that the owner of the Port Clyde General Store, Wyeth Gallery and Dipnet Restaurant, L.L. Bean heiress and entrepreneur Linda Bean, will rebuild the businesses the right way.
David Weitemeyer agreed, but believes something historically significant has been lost.
“These buildings were built probably 130 or 140 years ago...and you can't really rebuild them in that same fashion,” Weitemeyer said.
Bean could not be reached for comment Thursday. Nor could the operator of the Monhegan Boat Line, which states on its website that has been providing year-round ferry and mail service to the island for nearly a century. Two other ferry services to the island are still operating from Boothbay Harbor and New Harbor. And as the losses from the fire continue to sink in, residents like Cushman say they're trying to keep them in perspective.
“For everything bad there's something good. My phone's been ringing off the hook. People have been calling and saying what can we do to help...and man, makes you feel good to live in a small town,” Cushman said.
No injuries were reported in the fire, which state officials say started in the restaurant and quickly spread to the adjacent two buildings. The state Fire Marshall’s office is expected to continue investigating the fire for multiple days.
