MILLINOCKET -- An historic barn was destroyed in a fire Tuesday morning in Millinocket due to a faulty horse water tank heater. 

Crews raced to the Kelley Farm on the Station Road just before 8 a.m. after receiving reports of flames shooting from the barn. Upon arrival, the Millinocket Fire Department called for a third alarm. 

"We arrived on scene and ended up finding the barn fully involved and beginning to get in the house. Automatically requested a third alarm, brought in resources as far away as Brownville, Sherman, Maine Forest Service," said Chief Jonathan Cote with the Millinocket Fire Dept. 

The fire rapidly spread to the nearby home and caused substantial damage to the rear. However crews were able to keep the fire from destroying the rest of the home and the homeowners made it out safely. 

According to Chief Cote, the heater shorted out and spread into the outside walls of the barn. The State Fire Marshals Office was notified but did not respond to the scene. 

"All the black smoke we were like holy what is that, yeah it was just bad," said Millinocket resident Richard Dennis. 

Several witnesses and neighbors say the Kelley Farm is one of the oldest in Millinocket. 

For decades the homeowners have bred and raised race horses, two of which they were unable to save from the fire.

"They help everybody, it's a shame, hopefully everybody comes together and helps them out you know, that's what I hope," said Dennis. 

Around 30 firefighters were on scene. Crews responded from East Millinocket, Medway, Lincoln, Howland, Mattawamkeag, Sherman and the Maine Forest Service. 

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