ROCKLAND — An electrical issue is the believed cause of a fire in Rockland, Tuesday, August 1, 2023, according to the Rockland Fire Department, in a news release. 

Knox Regional Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call at 6:49 a.m., from an employee at 1 Farwell Drive (Stonescape, Inc) who showed up to work and saw smoke coming from the eaves of the building as well as black smoke inside the structure.

The KRCC initiated a first alarm assignment for that district, which calls for Rockland, Rockport, Camden, and Warren Fire Departments. As first to arrive, Rockport Fire Department witnessed smoke visible around the building. They began to get a hoseline stretched and in place while other units were beginning to arrive. Rockland Car 1 arrived, having heard a radio report of smoke showing from the Bravo and Delta sides with a working fire inside the building.

Rockland Engine 2 and Tower 3 arrived with full crews due to the shift change happening at the firehouse. Engine 2 deployed a second attack line while Tower 3 positioned to allow for roof access as well as offensive operations should a large amount of water have been needed. Camden Ladder 1 positioned for roof access as well as staffed the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). Warren FD was assigned water supply and quickly set up a water source for the operations. 

“Crews had water on the fire within 10 minutes of arrival thanks to the quick response from our neighbors in Rockport Fire,” said Fire Chief Chris Whytock, in the release. 

Damage was limited to a mezzanine and two storage areas within the facility. 

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted Rockland Fire and EMS with the investigation. 

Whytock attributes the following actions to preventing the operation from a worse outcome:

1. Quick notification to The Knox County Regional Communications Center helped prevent the spread of fire within the building. The workers who arrived quickly assessed the situation and called 9-1-1 immediately.

2. A quick response by Rockland Fire & EMS and our mutual aid partners from Camden, Rockport, and Warren Fire Departments.

3. The staff at the Knox County Regional Communications Center were flawless in their work. They were also dealing with other fire and EMS calls while our emergency was happening. This, coupled with the center being severely understaffed goes to show the work ethic of our dispatchers. We couldn’t do our jobs without them.