Robert Scarano completed this story as part of a class assignment in CMJ 236: Writing for the Mass Media
MILO, Maine — Town manager assures that there are no environmental hazards due to the fire as clean up and rebuilding efforts in Milo continue.
Last month’s fire destroyed five buildings and damaged another in the town of about 2,300 people. One of which was the Milo True Value hardware store. Town manager Jeff Gahagan said that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection had been extensively checking the site. All paints in the store were water based and petroleum based products had all burnt off. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms destroyed all ammunition and all guns had been accounted for after the fire.
Milo True Value, the Hobknobbers Pub and the Milo Flower Shop all had insurance, but the Game Spot and Milo Theater did not. Total damage due to the fire is about $131,540. The Milo House of Pizza did not burn, but suffered damage from smoke and is closed for at least another month.
The town has plans to redo the area. Gahagan says that there is a lot of interest to rebuild in the area and many ideas are being discussed. Hobknockers Pub owner Valerie Robertson says she plans to rebuild. She has purchased land closer to the water so her customers can also have seating outside along the river.
The Town also has plans to turn the area into Veterans Park Waterfront. These plans include enhancing walkways and the gazebo currently there, creating more green space and parking and beautifying the area.
Gahagan says a burglar trying to cover his tracks at the Hobknobbers pub started the fire. He says that the police do have a suspect, but they are unsure if they will be able to charge him, he did not give a name.
