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Bath councilor loses home to fire |
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by Gina Hamilton
Coastal Journal staff
photos by Tyler Drumm
 BATH — Bath City Councilor James Omo lost his home at 177 Middle Street on Thursday, December 10. The fire was first reported at around 2:45 p.m.
According to the Bath Fire Department, the building was completely involved by the time firefighters arrived. James Omo had reported the fire after returning home to discover the blaze. Although no humans were injured, a pet dog and cat were killed, although two stray coon cats the family had adopted survived. Omo and his family, a girlfriend and her children ages 5 and 13, were put up in a hotel for the night, and are now staying at the Fairhaven Inn, the bed and breakfast owned by his brother Andy, who serves on the Planning Board. He anticipates moving into a home owned by his parents on North Street this weekend.
Chief Hinds said that the fire appeared to have started near Omo’s home office. Investigators from the state fire marshall’s office and the state electrical inspectors will be examining the remains of the home this week to determine the cause, although Omo reported an electrical fire smell when he discovered the blaze.
 Ken Grimes of the State Fire Marshall’s office said that it may be a week or two before the exact cause is known. “The fire began in the computer room, and because of all the electrical equipment there, we asked the electrical examiners to have a look,” he said.
Councilor Omo suffered minor burns and cuts on his hands while attempting to rescue his pets.
Although the insurance company had yet to determine a dollar amount for the loss, according to the Bath Fire Department, the contents of the home were a total loss, and the structure was gutted. The Department estimated a 60% loss for the structure.
Over the last few days, donations have arrived at City Hall for James Omo and his family. Omo has asked that donations intended for him be set aside into a fund for other fire victims.
Omo represents Ward 1 on the Bath City Council.
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