ROCKLAND – The chemical explosion caused by acetone vapors Thursday, Sept. 28 in Rockland  was accidental, according to Sgt. Joel Davis of the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office.

The first four members of the Rockland Fire and EMS department to arrive on scene had to extinguish several small fires while simultaneously treating the three wounded, according to Chief Chris Whytock.

The most severely injured, Daniel Spear, 22, of Cushing, suffered third-degree burns and was Life Flighted to a larger hospital.

Joseph Dinapoli, 29, of Cushing, was treated for burns on his hands and legs.

Sarah Spear, 18, of Warren was treated for burns to the lower legs.

Philip Seekins, 21, of South Thomaston did not require medical attention.

ROCKLAND – Three people suffered injuries following an explosion in a commercial garage near Tillson Avenue just before 10 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28. One of the injured was flown by Life Flight to a Boston hospital with severe burns.

According to Rockland Fire Chief Chris Whytock, a few individuals in the Main Street area called dispatch after hearing the explosion at 9 Wharf Street, opposite the office for Far Meadow Construction. The first Rockland Fire and EMS responders, upon arrival at 9:58 p.m., found three individuals in the garage needing medical attention, along with a fourth individual who did not require assistance.

Northeast Ambulance covered the fire station while Rockland personnel brought all three of their ambulances, along with a couple fire trucks to the first-alarm fire. As is policy, Rockport and Camden fire crews also responded, though their assistance ultimately wasn’t needed.

“The first crews arrived and found some smouldering spots within the building, and found the three victims that were in need of medical care,” Whytock said.

Responders used water and two fire extinguishers on the hot spots.

“The fire was minimal, but the explosion is what we are dealing with now,” he said.

Any fire explosion that results in injury requires an automatic call to the fire marshal, according to Whytock.

The fire marshal spent the next couple of hours assisting Rockland with determining the cause. That cause was later to be determined to be “due to grinding materials in close proximity to an empty 55 gallon barrel of Acetone,” according to Chief Whytock’s official report.

In the report, Whytock cited factors hindering a better outcome:

“Late notification of the explosion and injuries occurred due to an attempt to extinguish the fire with a garden hose and fire extinguisher. We highly recommend notification as soon as possible and do not recommend extinguishing the fire unless it is necessary to exit the building. With the size of the building, the fire load that was present, and the extent of injuries, early notification is paramount to everyone’s safety and well being.”

An estimated 30 fire and EMS personnel responded to the call, including:

Apparatus Assigned:
Rockland Tower 3

Rockport Engine 23
Rockland Squad 3

Rockport Engine 22
Rockland Engine 1
Camden Ladder 1 for RIT
Rockland Rescue 1, 2, and 3
North East Mobile Health

Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com

ROCKLAND – Rockland firefighters and police are at 9 Wharf Street in Rockland investigating what may have been an explosion that injured at least one person in a construction shop.

Camden and Rockport fire departments are standing by at the scene in Rockland to help, if necessary.

The incident occurred near the Coast Guard station, in an alley off of Tillson Avenue.

Rockland firefighters are investigating the building, and the smoke has dissipated.

This story will be updated when more details become available.