New Gloucester variety store closed by fire
Link’s Variety Fire Leaves New Gloucester Store In Ashes, Owners Commit to Rebuild
A small grocery and convenience store in New Gloucester was gutted by a blaze that erupted early Sunday morning, forcing its owners to shut the shop down permanently until new construction can be undertaken. The incident began at 2:08 a.m. when New Gloucester Fire Rescue was called to a structure fire at Link’s Variety. Firefighters worked for five hours before the flames were fully extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined at this time. Meanwhile, the owners of Link’s Variety have taken to social media to share the news with the community. In a post on the store’s Facebook page, they confirmed the building had sustained “significant damage” and that it would remain closed until it could be rebuilt. They also urged residents to stay away from the site and thanked everyone for the outpouring of support.
“We will rebuild. We will be back,” the owners wrote, expressing their determination to return once new facilities are ready.
A local passerby, Sarenna Collins, was credited by both New Gloucester Fire Rescue and Link’s Variety as the first person to alert emergency services to the fire. Collins stayed on the scene as firefighters worked to control the blaze. According to the owners, her quick action likely prevented the structure from being completely consumed.
The fire department received mutual‑aid support from neighboring towns, including Gray, Auburn, Raymond, Durham, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, and Windham. Windham provided station coverage during the response.
The owners of Link’s Variety have not yet responded to requests for a comment. The community, however, has rallied behind the shop, with neighbors and former customers expressing sympathy and pledges to help in the recovery effort.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of small businesses to unexpected emergencies and the importance of rapid response. As investigations continue, the town of New Gloucester mourns the loss of a local landmark, while its owners remain steadfast in their promise to rebuild and reopen their doors.
