News Reports

Small dryer fire causes evacuation of York inn

YORK, Maine -- Firefighters are waiting to determine the cause of a dryer fire that occurred on shortly after 1 a.m. Monday at Stage Neck Inn in York Harbor.

As a precaution, guests were evacuated for about 20 minutes while firefighters dealt with the situation.

According to Fire Chief Chris Balentine, a wire ignited in one of the machines in a basement laundry room, causing the fire alarm to trip. He said lint, a large load, or the age of the machine might have been reasons for ignition.

When firefighters arrived, the drum filled with linens and towels was on fire. They were able to contain the blaze to the dryer. No other machines were damaged.

Kittery and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard fire departments covered the station while York firefighters were on the site.

"All in all it had the makings of a serious issue, but it was pretty well contained," Balentine said.