GRAY, Maine — Stonehedge, a cherished wedding venue and outdoor concert space in Gray, was a deemed total loss after a fire leveled the structure Tuesday afternoon.
The fire started around 3:30 p.m. When firefighters reached the scene, the fire spread to the surrounding grass and the barn had already been reduced to ashes, leaving the community in shock.
The venue was situated on a 100-acre farmstead formerly known as Freeman Farm, which dates back two centuries and is a huge piece of Gray's town history.
Russell Jeffords, who purchased the property back in 2004, said he poured his heart and soul into transforming Stonehedge into a popular concert and wedding venue. Jeffords also lives on the property.
"I've driven by, but this is the first time I've been down here to touch it and see it, knowing it was my hands that built that," Jeffords said.
Jeffords expressed his deep sorrow and disbelief at the loss from the fire.
"It broke my heart. It was a shocking, devastating moment," he said. "I never thought this would happen. I put so much time and effort into building what I can."
Gray Fire and Rescue Chief Kurt Elkanich detailed several of the challenges emergency responders faced in their efforts to extinguish the blaze.
Wind gusts fueled several grass fires, and the lack of readily available water sources made the firefighting effort even more challenging. Mutual aid from eight departments in the region responded to the scene, and a ninth helped cover Gray's fire station while they were dispatched.
"Really, all we could do was focus on the house and cool the barn. It just burned to the ground. Nothing else to investigate," Elkanich said.
Despite the huge loss, Jeffords remains resilient and hopeful for a brighter future.
"We made this a magical place. That magic is postponed right now, but it's still here," Jeffords said.
Plans are underway to clean up the site, with preparations for setting up tents and a temporary stage for concerts and weddings as early as April.