Fire on Baxter Lake island a challenge for Farmington, Rochester firefighters

FARMINGTON — A small camp building, located on an island at Baxter Lake, was destroyed by fire Wednesday night.

Rochester Assistant Chief Michael George said the call came in at 8:58 p.m., and while they initially thought the property was in Rochester, it was actually on the Farmington side of the lake.

George said a 20-by-20 camp structure on the island was completely destroyed. He said it was not occupied at the time and the cause remains under investigation.

"We had to stage at the boat launch," said George. "We brought our tankers, including one from Gonic and our boat. Farmington also responded with their equipment. Several residents offered us pontoon boats which was helpful in getting material out to the fire. Luckily, there was no power to the small camp, so we were able to keep most of the fire to the building. The island is heavily wooded."

Farmington Fire Chief Fred Mitchell said the fire was challenging, being on an island.

"It's hard to get equipment and people out there," he said. "The fire gets a head start and by the time we got there, the building was destroyed."

Mitchell said the fire remains under investigation and crews were back out there Thursday with the fire marshal.

George said there were no injuries and the department used portable pumps and tools brought over to the island.

"We were able to pull water from the lake," George said. "We finished by using a Class A foam product to assure the fire would not smolder."

The fire was under control, and the last piece of equipment left the island by 11:40 p.m.

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Mitchell said in addition to Rochester, mutual aid came from Somersworth, Milton and Dover.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Fire on Baxter Lake island a challenge for Farmington, Rochester firefighters