Firefighters Battle Blaze at Open Hearth Inn in Trenton, Maine

Crews from across Hancock County responded to the early morning fire, facing icy conditions and downed power lines.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:36am

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A fire broke out at the Open Hearth Inn in Trenton, Maine early Saturday morning, prompting a swift response from local firefighters who battled the blaze and challenging weather conditions to safely evacuate all guests. Crews from over a dozen neighboring fire departments provided mutual aid to help contain the fire, which caused significant damage to the middle of the building.

Why it matters

The Open Hearth Inn is a popular tourist destination in the coastal town of Trenton, and this fire has disrupted operations and displaced guests during the busy spring travel season. The incident also highlights the challenges rural fire departments face in responding to major emergencies, especially when complicated by factors like downed power lines and freezing temperatures.

The details

Trenton firefighters were called to the scene at 2:56 a.m. and found active flames and heavy smoke conditions in the middle of the two-story inn. Crews initiated an immediate attack but had to work carefully around downed, live electrical wires until the power could be shut off. The extent of the fire required mutual aid from over a dozen surrounding fire departments, who provided tankers and additional personnel to help bring the blaze under control.

  • The fire was reported at 2:56 a.m. on Saturday, March 28th.
  • Trenton firefighters cleared the scene around 11:30 a.m. the same day.
  • The Trenton Fire Department had responded to a dumpster fire on the property on March 25th.

The players

Trenton Volunteer Fire Department

The local fire department that responded first to the blaze at the Open Hearth Inn.

Versant

The utility company that shut off power to the downed electrical wires at the fire scene.

Ohana Inns

The company that operates the Open Hearth Inn and provided food and beverages to the firefighters working on scene.

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What’s next

The State Fire Marshal's Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire at the Open Hearth Inn.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges rural fire departments face in responding to major emergencies, especially when complicated by factors like downed power lines and freezing temperatures. The coordinated response from multiple agencies was crucial in bringing the blaze under control and ensuring the safety of all guests.