FORT KENT, Maine — Fort Kent saw one of its largest fires this year when JRS Firewood was engulfed in flames last week. But like a phoenix from the ashes the business is already back up and running.
Much of the 200-foot-long facility was destroyed in the blaze that started Thursday evening, and the business also lost a tractor and an 18-wheeler with a low bed.
Sixty five firefighters from departments in Aroostook County and neighboring New Brunswick, Canada, spent four hours at the scene, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Business owner Jared Sirois said Monday that above all, he is relieved that no one was hurt. His wife, Sherry Sirois, escaped unharmed, having tried to save what she could just before the flames erupted. People have been calling throughout the day, asking how they can help, offering to let him borrow tools or use their garage. Thanks to the overwhelming community support, he is back delivering firewood.
“It’s been very uplifting in a time of sorrow,” he said. “And I’m very grateful that my wife is alive.”
His wife did everything she could to save the 18-wheeler after the fire started, but everything was engulfed quickly.
“The whole garage was completely on fire in four minutes,” he said.
Sirois wrote in a Facebook post after the fire that his wife barely made it out in time after trying to save a logbook.
“Literally one second later was the first large explosion,” he wrote. “Crazy! I can’t and won’t imagine life without my best friend.”
The fire department is still investigating, Fort Kent Fire Chief Cole Pelletier said on Monday morning.
Cameras in the garage showed smoke in one area, but investigators have not yet determined the fire’s cause, Sirois said.
While most of his facility was destroyed, he is continuing to work and has already sold some bags of firewood. He’s keeping the business going with what’s left as he works on fixing damaged equipment, such as a self-serve firewood bag system.
His firewood processor, which is just below his garage, did not burn, and two of the business’s trucks were also unharmed, he said.
“It puts me in a position where I can actually process firewood and I can still make this business work,” he said. “But all of my wrapping equipment, that’s all gone. So that makes that side of things hard. But I’m going to get by. I’m going to do it.”
Earlier this year, the business received the 2025 Community Service Award from the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast. Sherry Sirois wrote that they received the award because of Jared’s “willingness to help, with no wish to be repaid or recognized, his strong faith and love for his community and its children and future.”
A GoFundMe started by Fort Kent resident Stacey Thibodeau has already raised close to $10,000 of its $11,000 goal, with many donations coming from community members. Jared and Sherry have always helped people in need in the past, Thibodeau wrote in the fundraiser post.
“[Jared] was the first to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need,” Thibodeau wrote in the fundraiser’s description, “and this workshop has been a blessing and open door to many wonderful employees, to his children, and to his friends and relatives over time. Let us give back to the man who has been so good for others.”
Fort Kent Town Manager Suzie Paradis is grateful for the hard work and bravery of the firefighters who responded on Thursday, she posted on the town’s Facebook page. She also thanked Tom and Jesica Audibert at John’s Convenience for donating coffee to help during the incident.
“Your teamwork and quick response reflect the true spirit of our community,” Paradis wrote. “We are deeply sorry for the loss experienced by JR and Sherry Sirois and their family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”
And while it’s going to be a difficult road ahead, the community clearly has Sirois’ back as he rebuilds his business. He said he has run out of counter space at his house because people have already provided so many donations of food and other items they may need.
“The people here are just amazing,” he said. “We are very, very blessed to live in the community that we live in.”
