An early morning fire on September 21 at a Machias trailer park claimed the lives of two people, while three people in a neighboring trailer were able to escape thanks to the quick actions of a passing motorist. The fire occurred in a mobile home park on Armstrong Lane off Route 1 and adjacent to the East Machias town line. A cause for the fire has yet to be determined.
     The two men who died are Chris Harrison and Wilfred "Billy" Gross Jr. Harrison was originally from Pennsylvania, and Gross previously lived in Lubec and worked for Look's Gourmet Food Company in Whiting. Both were members of American Legion Post #9 in Machias, according to Karen Wood of Wesley, who was a friend of both and describes them as gentle souls. She says the two men shared the trailer home for about five years.
     "Billy had a contagious smile and was always around to lend a helping hand," says Wood. "He and Chris were good friends, looking out for each other and making the best of what they had and grateful to have it."
     "Chris always had a good story to share along with smiles and a good hug," says Wood. "He was a fisherman, carpenter and landscaper. Everyone that met him loved him. When I was going through chemo and about to lose my hair, Chris cut his hair in support of me. He was a great friend that I will always hold deep in my heart."
     Responding to the 2:51 a.m. call received from the Washington County Regional Communications Center were fire personnel and equipment from East Machias, Jonesboro, Machias, Marshfield and Machiasport.
     Machias Fire Chief Joey Dennison confirms that two mobile home trailers and an automobile were destroyed in the fire. Fire crews were on the scene until that afternoon, and Dennison says it took about four hours to extinguish the flames. Personnel remained on scene assisting State Fire Marshall's Office investigators throughout the day.

Passerby helps save three
     Steve Villone, a transport driver for R.H. Foster was on his way to work when he spotted the trailer on fire. "I saw the fire out of the corner of my eye when I drove past it," says Villone. "I questioned whether I really saw what I saw and then decided to go back at the same time I was calling 911. By the time I got there, the trailer was completely engulfed in flames. That's when I saw the fire making its way to a second trailer and decided to see if anyone was still inside by banging on the windows and door."
     Villone was able to wake and assist Sara Alley, her fiancé Travis Clark and Alley's 1 year old son Ezra out of the trailer with little else but what they were wearing. Neighbors immediately provided warm clothes and support. The American Red Cross of Northern New England was on site that morning making sure that their immediate needs such as food, a safe place to sleep and other essentials were met.
     "Both Travis and I are overwhelmed by the outpouring of community support," says Alley. "I also want to sincerely thank the man who saved me and my family. They mean the world to me, and if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be here today." For the time being Alley says they are staying at a motel for a few nights and will then be staying with friends.
     "I am sorry I was not able to do anything for the people in the other trailer," says Villone. "This whole situation brought back a lot of memories for me." It was 21 years ago when he and his wife lost their home to a fast-moving fire. "I certainly don't consider myself a hero or anything, I am just happy some good came out of a bad situation."
     In less than 24 hours, a GoFundMe site was set up and a community message was posted on the Washington County Incident Alert Facebook page seeking donations for food and clothing items for the family. Donation sites have also been posted for both men to assist their families with funeral expenses.