Firefighters from Bucksport, Orland, Orrington and Dedham responded to the New Year’s Day blaze that destroyed the home of Harold Chase. The call came in at 11:46 p.m. Jan 1.—PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRY GRINDLE

BUCKSPORT — A furnace malfunction is believed to have caused a New Year’s Day fire that destroyed a mobile home on Russell Hill Road.

The blaze was reported at 11:46 p.m. Jan. 1 at the home of Harold Chase at 49 Russell Hill Road.

Firefighters were on the scene, located about four miles from the Bucksport Public Safety Building, eight minutes later.  The home was fully engulfed and collapsing at the front end when crews arrived.

Within minutes, the entire building collapsed.

Chase and his 12-year-old son were outside of the home and not injured. The Chases own two dogs, which have not been found.

The fire was extinguished within 30 minutes. Severe cold created safety issues and freezing conditions but did not interfere with fire crews.

Bucksport firefighters were assisted by Bucksport police, the Orland Fire Department, the Orrington Fire Department, the Dedham Fire Department and Bucksport Public Works. In all, 30 firefighters and seven trucks responded.

Officials reported that it was unclear whether the mobile home was insured.

The fire is under investigation, although initial reports said it appeared to have been caused by a furnace malfunction.