fire destroys a Maine inn today - very sad

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Reinforces the thought that the innkeeper should always be on top of a few things:
Ensuring smoke detectors, CO detectors are present and the batteries/power supply are always proper.
Proper fire extinguishers in each unit and in the kitchen
Keeping the fire and emergency numbers in obvious places in each room
Getting fire inspection if possible, by the local professionals (if they are willing to do this).
Ensure electrical system and "fuse box" are modern, ample and correct. The property inspection we just had, the guy said the fuse box was unbalanced. And not a small thing with every room having electric baseboard heat. Older homes often have insufficient wiring. Simple things like replacing all bulbs with CF/LED, avoiding electric baseboard heat, helps keep the wires cooler.
Keeping grilling activities away from house. Insurance companies (rental properties) always ask me about 4 things - is grilling allowed on decks? Pools? Trampolines? Dogs?
 
Very sad
Glad there was no loss of life, as has happened to other innkeepers we knew
 
excerpts: "The fire that destroyed the Blue Water Inn in Ogunquit Beach appears to have started in the area of the kitchen, which is also where the electrical service enters the building, investigators said Wednesday. The department was first notified of the fire by an alarm system in the building, but by the time the first engine crossed the bridge leading to the popular tourist spot the building was already in flames, O’Brien said.
Crews could not get inside because of the heavy fire and so worked to keep the flames from spreading to the adjacent restaurant and other nearby properties. They were able to save a new wing on the back side of Huckleberry’s.
The wind drove the flames and smoke across the single road leading into the area and caused electrical wires between the inn and a utility pole across the street to fall into the roadway.
Those conditions prevented more fire equipment from getting off the bridge to fight the fire. Firefighters eventually doused the flames enough for Central Maine Power to shut down power to the area, and additional firefighter and equipment were able to access the site."
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/04/29/unstable-structure-hampers-investigators-after-ogunquit-hotel-fire/
 
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