CAMDEN — Quick response by area firefighters Thursday afternoon kept a house fire from getting too far along, while the winds whipped across John Street in Camden. A state Fire Marshal’s investigator has been called to the scene from Augusta to help determine the cause, according to Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley.

Camden Fire Department was called out to 40 John St. around 2:30 p.m. on May 21, and the first units on scene reported heavy black smoke coming from the small house next to the street in which Amy Amory said she lives.

Amy’s father, Tom, was on scene at the 1,023-square-foot, three-bedroom home when firefighters arrived. Tom Amory lives adjacent at 20 John St.

Farley said fire damage to the house was limited to an exterior wall at the back, and inside in the kitchen.

“There is water damage in the basement, and smoke damage to the first and second floors,” said Farley.

Seven Camden firefighters responded to the scene, along with 17 firefighters from Rockport and 13 from Lincolnville. Another six Camden firefighters remained at the station, said Farley.

Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley and one of his crews was first on scene, and he said heavy smoke and flames were coming out of the back of the house. They yelled inside and found it was empty, and then he said SCBA-certified firefighters from Camden and Rockport made entry inside through the front door.

Peasley said that wind was blowing toward the back of the house, fanning the fire.

“It was a quick save with good turnout,” said Peasley.

In addition to Camden, Lincolnville and Rockport, Hope Fire Department responded as well for mutual aid.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 706-6655.