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Rotary Club President Cliff Hannon Endures Severe Burns After Oakland Home Explosion

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 7:35 GMT by WGME

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Fundraisers Set Up to Support Rotary Club President Cliff Hannon After Oakland Home Explosion

A recent article from The Waterville Sun (published by WGME) details the outpouring of community support for Cliff Hannon, the president of the Waterville Sunrise Rotary Club, following a devastating explosion at his Oakland home. The blast, which took place early last week, caused significant injuries and damage, prompting a swift response from both local officials and the Rotary community.

The Incident

On Thursday, a powerful explosion ripped through the interior of the Hannon residence in Oakland, a small town within the state. According to the article, the blast was likely caused by a gas leak—though the exact cause remains under investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. Witnesses report hearing a sudden roar, followed by a flash and a wave of heat that forced residents into the street. Cliff Hannon and his wife, both seniors, were present at the time and suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation injuries. Hannon’s injuries were described as “critical,” with medical staff reporting extensive burns on his limbs and face. His wife, while less severely injured, was also hospitalized for smoke inhalation and shock.

The article includes a link to a press release from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which stated that the investigation would focus on the building’s gas lines and any potential electrical faults. Authorities have ruled out arson at this stage, noting that the damage pattern is consistent with a natural gas explosion rather than a deliberate act.

Medical Care and Recovery

Cliff Hannon was air‑lifted to a major trauma center in Portland for emergency surgery. The hospital’s medical team performed debridement and grafting procedures on the burn victims, and Hannon remains on life support in the intensive care unit. His wife, meanwhile, is recovering from inhalation injury and is being monitored for complications such as pneumonia.

The article quotes a local physician, Dr. Emily Park, who notes that Hannon’s age (75) and pre‑existing health conditions—diabetes and hypertension—compound his recovery risk. Dr. Park stresses that the community’s support will be crucial in helping the Hannon family cover the extensive medical bills and the costs of a specialized home rehabilitation plan that will follow once they are discharged.

Community Response

Shortly after the explosion, the Waterville Sunrise Rotary Club organized an emergency fundraiser on GoFundMe. The club’s website, linked in the article, highlights the Rotary’s longstanding commitment to community service, particularly in disaster relief. The fundraiser’s goal is $75,000, earmarked for medical expenses, home repairs, and temporary housing during Hannon’s recovery. The club president of the Rotary, Mr. Thomas Reeves, is quoted as saying, “The Hannon family has given back to us in countless ways. It’s only fitting we return that generosity.”

In addition to the GoFundMe campaign, the local church, St. John’s Episcopal, set up a donation box at its Sunday service and organized a charity bake sale in the basement. The article reports that the bake sale has already raised $2,500, with proceeds going directly to Hannon’s recovery fund. The town council held a spontaneous fundraiser at the city hall, selling commemorative pins and offering raffle tickets. The council chair, Mayor Linda Carter, remarked that “this tragedy has reminded us how interconnected we are.”

The article also notes that a number of local businesses—ranging from the hardware store to the bakery—have pledged to cover specific costs, such as the cost of a temporary shower unit for Hannon and the replacement of damaged household appliances. The Rotary club members themselves contributed by arranging home maintenance services, such as cleaning, minor repairs, and arranging for a professional to handle the gas line inspections after the fire marshal’s report is finalized.

Wider Context

The article references a similar incident that happened a year ago in Waterville, where a gas explosion injured a Rotary member. The same state fire marshal’s office is now looking into potential systemic issues in the region’s aging gas infrastructure. The linked article from The Waterville Sun outlines that the state has already begun allocating funds for a broader safety audit in several counties, including Oakland.

Additionally, the article includes a link to a local news video produced by WGME, showing the aftermath of the explosion and interviews with neighbors who describe how quickly the community rallied around the Hannon family. The video also provides an interview with Hannon’s daughter, who says, “We’re grateful for every dollar, every kind word. This whole town has been amazing.”

The Road Ahead

While Cliff Hannon’s exact prognosis remains uncertain, the article notes that he is currently in a “critical” but stable condition. The medical team anticipates a lengthy recovery process, potentially spanning several months, and possibly requiring ongoing therapy for burns and respiratory complications. With the fundraiser now underway and community donations pouring in, the Hannon family is better positioned to manage the financial burden of prolonged care.

The Rotary club’s initiative has also sparked a broader conversation about preparedness and emergency response. In a recent meeting, the club discussed establishing a volunteer task force to coordinate future relief efforts and provide disaster preparedness workshops for residents. The article quotes club volunteer leader, Ms. Sarah Kline, saying, “We want to be proactive. We’re already planning educational sessions on how to safely test for gas leaks and what steps to take if a fire occurs.”

Bottom Line

The article from WGME paints a comprehensive picture of the tragedy that struck the Hannon family and the swift, multifaceted community response. From emergency medical care to a robust fundraiser organized by the Waterville Sunrise Rotary Club, local churches, businesses, and the town council have come together to support a beloved community member during his darkest hour. The investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office continues, while the community remains united in hope for a full recovery and in determination to prevent similar incidents in the future.