FREEPORT
While fire investigators worked to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed The Corsican Restaurant early Wednesday morning, the Maine Department of Labor organized a Rapid Response session for Friday to help the workers affected by the fire.
Sgt. Joel Davis with the State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire was accidental. He said a combination ceiling fan and light fixture in the bathroom was left on and overheated.
Conditions were just right and it combusted.
According to Freeport Fire Chief Darrel Fournier, the fixture that overheated was in a second-story bathroom. A municipal fire alarm sent fire crews to the restaurant at 3:02 a.m. where they found heavy fire in the rear of the second floor of the building. No one was hurt and neighboring buildings were saved, but restaurant owner Robin Wade said 10 employees would be impacted by the fire.
The building was insured and by early Wednesday afternoon the restaurant’s Facebook page stated, “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and kind words. Like the Phoenix, we shall rise from the ashes!”
The Maine Department of Labor announced Wednesday it will hold a Rapid Response session Friday for workers affected by the fire at The Corsican Restaurant. Workers who have lost their job may be eligible to collect unemployment benefits and other services.
“The department’s Rapid Response program assists workers facing job loss due to downsizing or closures,” said Gov. Paul LePage. “The Rapid Response team is reaching out to help these workers.”
The Department of Labor can advise and assist employers and employees with information about their rights, responsibilities and obligations during a closure or downsizing to safeguard the economic stability of workers and the surrounding community.
The Rapid Response session will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce located at 57 Depot St. in Freeport. Attendees should go to the second floor of the Community Center. Affected workers may also contact the Southern Midcoast Career- Center in Brunswick at 207-373-4000 or 1-888-836-3355. TTY users call Maine Relay 711.
To find out more about the Rapid Response program, contact a local CareerCenter or visit www.mainecareercenter.com.
dmoore@timesrecord.com
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