Fire Destroys Home, Displaces Family of 7, in Sabattus

Maine fire officials say a family managed to escape to safety from a fire that destroyed their Sabattus home and killed the family dog.

Fire officials were called to the scene at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, but there are no fire hydrants in the area and firefighters had to bring in 11 tanker trucks of water from neighboring departments.

The Portland Press Herald reports that the family includes two adults and five children. They were alerted to the fire by a smoke detector and escaped unharmed. Firefighters attempted unsuccessfully to rescue the dog.

The newspaper reports that the homeowner is a decorated veteran who was out of state participating in a disabled military hockey national event Sunday.

The Red Cross is assisting the family and relief funds are established. (AP)