[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               HONORING THE HEROES OF THE FORT KENT FIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2012

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of Fort 
Kent, and the surrounding communities, who responded so admirably to 
the massive fire in downtown Fort Kent.
  In the early morning of March 25, 2012, a massive fire erupted in 
Fort Kent, Maine destroying several downtown buildings and damaging 
local businesses. Although these buildings contained numerous 
apartments, there was mercifully no loss of life. That is because of 
the heroic efforts of eight local fire departments, the Fort Kent 
Police, and a town employee who first spotted the flames.
  Tenants living on the second floor of the Nadeau's House of Furniture 
building were evacuated with only minutes to spare as the fire quickly 
spread. The heat was strong enough to damage businesses located across 
the street and melt nearby street signs. Moreover, it took thousands of 
gallons of water, pumped from the St. John River, to finally quell the 
flames.
  The heroism of the Fort Kent Volunteer Fire Department and fire crews 
from St. Agatha, Frenchville, Madawaska, North Lakes, Eagle Lake, St. 
Francois, New Brunswick and Clair, New Brunswick cannot be overstated. 
Neither can the bravery of Matt Bard who first alerted authorities, 
Tony Enerva and Richard Martin of the Fort Kent Police Department who 
were among the first on the scene, the Fort Kent Ambulance Service, or 
the scores of others who helped avert an even greater tragedy.
  I am grateful to the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross and 
the Salvation Army for providing such immediate relief to the displaced 
families. I am also extremely heartened by the outpouring of support 
that has come from the Fort Kent community. Local business leaders have 
already launched a fundraising campaign to further assist those who 
lost their belongings in the fire. I know that their combined strength 
will bring the town through this difficult time.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring all the heroes who responded 
to the Fort Kent fire.

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