Maine State Fire Marshal

06/18/2026

FMO Investigating Fatal Fire in Fort Kent

On Monday, June 15, 2026, at approximately 12:15 pm, the Fort Kent Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at a multi-unit apartment building located at 42 East Main Street. Upon arrival, the firefighters made entry and located a single adult female inside the first-floor apartment. Lifesaving efforts were provided with no success. The deceased is tentatively identified as 56-year-old Ruth Charles of Fort Kent. Charles was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy and positive identification will take place. State Fire Marshal Investigators determined the fire originated in the bedroom of the apartment where Charles lived and is accidental in nature. Two competing accidental causes cannot be ruled out (electrical/candle). Charles lived in the apartment alone. Two other tenants were displaced temporarily.

06/18/2026

Yesterday, the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal was proud to host the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association June Meeting at our Northern Division Office in Hermon.

It was a great opportunity to bring together fire service leaders from across the state to collaborate, share ideas, and continue strengthening Maine’s fire service.

Thank you to the Maine Fire Chiefs Association, Maine Forest Rangers, and all who attended. We appreciate your leadership and commitment to the communities you serve.

06/17/2026

Congratulations, Detective Stu Jacobs, from all of us at the Office of State Fire Marshal! What an incredible accomplishment and a well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and service. Well done, Stu!

06/15/2026

FMO Investigating Structure Fire in Stockton Springs

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, at approximately 9:30 am, the Stockton Springs Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Cross Lane in Stockton Springs. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully engulfed in flames. Fire crews extinguished the fire and requested assistance from the Office of State Fire Marshal to investigate the cause and origin. Investigators determined the fire to be incendiary in nature. There was no electricity connected to the structure at the time of the fire. The home was destroyed by the fire. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 207-624-7076

06/15/2026

Fire at Wells Home Ruled Accidental

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, at approximately 5:55 pm, the Wells Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a structure fire at 149 Atlantic Avenue in Wells. Before fire officials arrived on scene, heavy fire and smoke conditions were visible from the area. Due to the severity of the fire, multiple alarms were struck, ultimately reaching a fourth alarm to bring in additional manpower and resources from surrounding departments. Investigators determined that the homeowner had just changed a propane tank and was preparing to grill when a fire erupted near the grill area, causing a small explosion. Before the homeowner could retrieve a fire extinguisher, the fire rapidly intensified and spread to the home. The residence sustained significant damage. Neighboring homes on both the left and right sides also sustained damage from heat and fire exposure. Fire officials noted that the quick response and aggressive suppression efforts by the Wells Fire Department and assisting agencies were instrumental in preventing the fire from spreading further and potentially causing even greater damage. Numerous mutual aid fire departments responded to assist with fire suppression and overhaul operations. The homeowner and his daughter were both in the area of the grill at the time of the fire. The homeowner suffered minor burn injuries and was treated at the scene. His daughter was uninjured. No firefighters or EMS personnel were injured during the incident. The Wells Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the fire to be accidental.

06/14/2026

The Office of State Fire Marshal is saddened to learn of the passing of 76-year-old Wayne Woodbury on Sunday morning June 14, 2026 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury was among the many firefighters and emergency responders who responded to the May 15, 2026, fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.

The Office of State Fire Marshal extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the members of the Searsmont Fire Department during this difficult time. The investigation into the Robbins Lumber fire remains ongoing.

06/14/2026

Fantastic work.

Nearly a month after the Searsmont blast, first responders rally to support injured colleagues and families. Discover their journey of recovery and resilience.

06/09/2026

FMO Investigating Fire in Randolph

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at approximately 8:10 pm, the Randolph Fire Department responded to 9 Barber Road in Randolph for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a barn heavily involved in fire. The property is home to Coutts Brothers, Inc. The fire caused significant damage to the barn and its contents, which included a variety of equipment and materials used by the business, such as snowplows, power line equipment and supplies, vehicle tires, and other items. Several items stored outside and behind the building also sustained damage, with some expected to require complete replacement. Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to the scene and, with assistance from heavy equipment provided by Coutts Brothers, conducted an examination of the fire scene that evening. Through scene examination, witness interviews, surveillance video review, and scientific analysis, investigators determined the fire originated in an open-air lean-to located on the northern end of the building. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, at this time investigators do not believe the fire was intentionally set or otherwise suspicious in nature. Damage from the fire was limited in part due to the quick actions of local firefighters and a former employee of the business.

06/04/2026

Yesterday our inspection division was invited to speak to Gretchen Sequeira’s Early Childhood Education class at Bath Tech. This class gives students the opportunity to learn about children and how they develop, learn, and play by using hands-on experience. In this class, you will get experience reading to children, playing with children, planning activities, making healthy snacks, and learning how to be a team player in a preschool setting. The students’ skills and knowledge will grow, and the students will be prepared to continue their education or enter the workforce after graduation. The inspectors discussed the Life Safety requirements for daycare occupancies and how the fire marshal’s office is involved with DHHS licensing.

06/03/2026

FMO Investigating Arson Fire in Bath

The Maine Office of State Fire Marshal is seeking information regarding a suspicious fire at the Masonic Temple in Bath. On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at approximately 10:02 am, the Bath Police Department and Bath Fire Department responded to the Masonic Temple, located at 958 Washington Street in Bath, after it was discovered that an American flag hanging from the front of the building had been burned. Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to the scene due to the suspicious nature of the incident. Following an examination of the scene, investigators determined that the fire had been intentionally set and have classified the incident as arson. During the investigation, it was discovered that an unknown individual had placed a new American flag on the fence in front of the Masonic Temple sometime after the fire occurred. Investigators determined that no members or representatives of the Masonic Temple were responsible for placing the replacement flag. Investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the person who hung the new flag, as they may have information relevant to the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the fire, or the individual who placed the replacement flag at the scene, is asked to contact the Office of State Fire Marshal by one of the following methods:

• Arson Tipline at 1-888-870-6162
• [email protected]
• Augusta Communications Center at 207-624-7076 (ask for an FMO investigator).