RANGELEY PLANTATION — A chimney fire is believed to be the cause of a blaze that destroyed a restored 1910 lake house at 1209 Bemis Road  early Saturday morning, Rangeley Fire Rescue Chief Tim Pellerin said.

Owner Les Mcphee was alerted to the 12:40 a.m. blaze by smoke detectors and escaped unharmed. Popping sounds were heard as ammunition exploded from the heat, Pellerin said.

“This is a true testament to having working smoke detectors in all levels of your home,” he said.

Pellerin put the loss of the two-story home at $550,000 and said it was insured.

Firefighters from Rangeley, Phillips, Eustis, and Strong responded in subzero temperatures. It took them 17 minutes to get to the scene, arriving to find “heavy fire in the first floor going to the second floor,” Pellerin said.

Water was shuttled more than 12 miles one way.

“It was a tough fight, but everyone worked really well together and we all got home safe,” Pellerin said.

Firefighters spray water on a burning two-story home on Bemis Road in Rangeley Plantation early Saturday morning. Fire Rescue Chief Tim Pellerin said owner Les Mcphee escaped unharmed from his fully restored 1910 lake house. Pellerin estimated the loss at $550,000.

Flames engulf a 1910 lake house on Bemis Road in Rangeley Plantation early Saturday morning. Owner Les Mcphee was alerted to the fire by smoke detectors and escaped unharmed, Fire Rescue Chief Tim Pellerin said. The loss was estimated at $550,000. (Rangeley Fire Rescue Department photo)