LEVANT, Maine (WABI) – Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the man killed in a house fire in Levant early Monday morning.
Two people were hospitalized.
While the investigation into the fire on Avenue Road continues, the community is already coming together to help.
“Whenever something like this happens to a small town, it hits home. We’ve all failed before, but I don’t know if we’re all like that. So, we felt compelled to do something,” Jason Seymour said.
Levant’s Jason and Tracy Seymour own Seymour Embroidery.
When they learn of a deadly fire in their own community, they design and make shirts to sell to raise money for their neighbors in need.
“I wanted something that would bring Leva together as a community, where no one is alone even if we don’t know each other personally. If something happens to someone in the community, it’s the community’s job to rally and build around them,” says Tracy.
Fire Chief Eric Strutt said this is the first time a person has died in a fire in Levant in 20 years.
This shakes up the community, including the first responders who were on the scene.
“None of us expect to get up at 3:15 a.m. to try to save someone from a house fire, and we’re not even successful in heroic efforts. So it’s going to take a toll on the aircraft and the department,” Strutt said.
He says that supporting each other is an important part of the healing process.
“Talk to each other. We deal with different situations all the time. We train ourselves to prepare, you know, the reality of every fire is dangerous. We tell everyone, reach out. If you’re having a hard time with it, talk to someone. You know we’ve got to work together as a family to get through this for a few weeks. This is with us. It sticks,” she said.
Seymours wants to challenge other Levant-area businesses to find ways to raise money for victims.
When it comes to donations, they say every little bit counts.
“Let’s come together and make a difference. You know, so that you can really make a difference in someone’s life every day. And, you know, this is one of those times when you can,” Jason said.
“One person can’t do everything, but everyone can do something, and when put together, it creates a lot,” Tracy said.
If you are interested in purchasing the t-shirts, they are available here.
All profits will be donated to victims with Seymour’s up to $500.
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