Maine FFs wear SCBA to avoid getting high while fighting fire at marijuana growing facility

"We would never enter that building without a breathing apparatus," said Gorham Fire Chief Kenneth Fickett

By Bonnie Washuk
Portland Press Herald

GORHAM, Maine — Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to avoid possibly getting high while fighting a fire Saturday at a medical marijuana growing facility in Gorham.

The fire severely damaged one of the grow rooms and a foyer but didn't spread to the other grow rooms, Gorham Fire Chief Kenneth Fickett said Sunday. "It's a huge facility. There are 10 grow rooms," he added.

No one was injured Saturday at the medical marijuana growing facility in Gorham. (Photo/Gorham Fire Chief Kenny Fickett)

No one was injured in the fire, he said.

The call came in around 7:30 p.m. after temperature monitors alerted a facility worker, Fickett said. The worker investigated and found the grow room was filled with smoke. He slammed the door and called for help.

When firefighters arrived, the grow room, which is about 20 by 40 feet, was filled with black smoke and a foul smell of plastic burning. The fire was caused by older grow lights that had malfunctioned, the fire chief said.

Firefighters wore a breathing apparatus to protect them from getting high in the smoky room, Fickett said.

"Luckily these weren't full-fledged plants. We didn't have that issue," he said. "But that's why we would never enter that building without a breathing apparatus."

Gorham received mutual aid on the scene from Westbrook, Windham and Standish.