The house was owned by Eugene Smith and Robert Helstrom, who said approximately 16,000 to 18,000 barrels of potatoes were in the house together with potato house machinery. They estimated their loss at approximately $65,000 which, they said, was partially insured.
The south end of the house was all ablaze when the Fire Department arrived. Fanned by the heavy wind that had been blowing all day, the fire spread rapidly through the building.
The Caribou Fire Department was called to help keep the fire under control.
The owners stated that the fire could not have been caused by an electrical disturbance as the switches had been pulled after the last load of potatoes had been put into storage.
The blaze was reportedly visible from points as far away as Chapman.
[September 1971]