A large fire that destroyed three buildings in the mid-coast community of Port Clyde Wednesday night has dealt what a business owner is calling a “devastating blow.”Nobody was hurt when state police say the fire that began in the Dip Net Restaurant kitchen spread to the Monhegan Boat Line wharf at around midnight Wednesday night. It also demolished the General Store Complex, which includes the Wyeth Gallery and everything inside. A statement from business and gallery owner Linda Bean released Thursday afternoon said, “the art gallery losses of Wyeth works are high including three original paintings by Jamie Wyeth and one original NC Wyeth I acquired recently.” All books, prints, photographs and memorabilia in the gallery were also destroyed.Thanking the first responders from nearly a dozen surrounding communities who arrived quickly and ensured that everyone was out of the burning buildings, Bean said it’s unclear how the fire started. “We will have to rely on forensic investigators to learn more,” she said.”Those who had housing over the general store and fled with only the clothes they were wearing are receiving assistance with both housing and personal belongings,” she said. Bean acknowledged the community members who have given those affected cash to get new clothing. She says her assistant also brought them to Freeport to shop at L.L. Bean. “The fire was so hot and uncontrollable that nobody was allowed inside the General Store to save anything,” Bean wrote. “As it’s owner for the last 16 years, I have tried to respect and reflect the long history of its owners, managers, and customers, a good many of whom are in tears today.””There are huge emotional community and business losses,” she said. “My hope is to restore the premises and resume its businesses and jobs there as fully and as soon as possible.””We are deeply affected by the impact of this fire,” she wrote. “We thank all those whose hearts, minds and prayers are with us.”
A large fire that destroyed three buildings in the mid-coast community of Port Clyde Wednesday night has dealt what a business owner is calling a “devastating blow.”
Nobody was hurt when state police say the fire that began in the Dip Net Restaurant kitchen spread to the Monhegan Boat Line wharf at around midnight Wednesday night.
It also demolished the General Store Complex, which includes the Wyeth Gallery and everything inside.
A statement from business and gallery owner Linda Bean released Thursday afternoon said, “the art gallery losses of Wyeth works are high including three original paintings by Jamie Wyeth and one original NC Wyeth I acquired recently.” All books, prints, photographs and memorabilia in the gallery were also destroyed.
Thanking the first responders from nearly a dozen surrounding communities who arrived quickly and ensured that everyone was out of the burning buildings, Bean said it’s unclear how the fire started. “We will have to rely on forensic investigators to learn more,” she said.
“Those who had housing over the general store and fled with only the clothes they were wearing are receiving assistance with both housing and personal belongings,” she said.
Bean acknowledged the community members who have given those affected cash to get new clothing. She says her assistant also brought them to Freeport to shop at L.L. Bean.
“The fire was so hot and uncontrollable that nobody was allowed inside the General Store to save anything,” Bean wrote. “As it’s owner for the last 16 years, I have tried to respect and reflect the long history of its owners, managers, and customers, a good many of whom are in tears today.”
“There are huge emotional community and business losses,” she said. “My hope is to restore the premises and resume its businesses and jobs there as fully and as soon as possible.”
“We are deeply affected by the impact of this fire,” she wrote. “We thank all those whose hearts, minds and prayers are with us.”
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