Maine State Fire Marshal

10/21/2026

Smoke Detectors Alert Houlton Family to Residential Fire

On Monday, October 19, 2026, at approximately 4:38 pm, the Houlton Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 73 Court Street in Houlton, involving a single-family residence. At the time of the fire, one adult and three children were inside the residence. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants to a fire in a rear mudroom. All occupants safely evacuated the residence, and the fire department was notified. The Houlton Fire Department responded to the scene with mutual aid assistance from the Hodgdon Fire Department. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and remained on scene until approximately 8:42 pm. Fire Marshal Investigators responded and determined the fire to be accidental, with electrical arcing identified as the likely cause. As a result of the fire the family has been displaced from the residence. No injuries were reported.

*The Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents of the importance of maintaining working smoke detectors throughout their homes. In this incident, functioning smoke detectors provided an early warning that allowed the occupants to safely evacuate. Residents are encouraged to test smoke detectors regularly, maintain electrical systems in good working condition, and ensure all family members are familiar with their home’s emergency escape plan.

10/21/2026

FMO Arrests Ashland Woman on Two Counts of Arson

The Fire Marshal’s Office announces the arrest of an Ashland woman following an investigation into two intentionally set fires involving neighboring residential properties on Frenchville Road in Ashland. On October 10, 2026, the Ashland Police Department responded to 1158 Frenchville Road for a reported ongoing criminal mischief complaint. Officers located 26-year-old Brooke Robinson of Ashland at the property. Robinson was arrested and given a summons for Criminal Mischief. On October 13, 2026, the Ashland Police Department contacted the Fire Marshal’s Office requesting assistance after additional information was developed during the initial investigation. Investigators identified fire damage to the exterior of the residence at 1158 Frenchville Road. Following an examination of the damage, Fire Marshal investigators determined that the fire was incendiary in nature, having been intentionally set by holding an open flame against the exterior siding of the residence. Investigators determined that Robinson was also responsible for setting fires at 1164 Frenchville Road, a neighboring property, before proceeding to 1158 Frenchville Road. Investigators identified two separate areas of fire damage at 1164 Frenchville Road. Both areas were also determined to be incendiary in nature, with the damage caused by an open flame being held against the exterior siding and insulation materials. Following the investigation, the case was submitted to the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office, and an arrest warrant was issued charging Robinson with two counts of Arson. On October 20, 2026, Fire Marshal investigators, with assistance from the Presque Isle Police Department, arrested Robinson. Robinson was transported to the Aroostook County Jail. The Fire Marshal’s Office acknowledges the assistance of the Ashland Police Department and Presque Isle Police Department throughout the investigation and arrest.

10/20/2026

FMO Investigating Residential Structure Fire in China

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, at approximately 11:13 pm, the China Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire located at 19 41st FireRoad in China. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions involving a garage/workshop attached or adjoining to a two-story, single-family residence. The fire caused near-total destruction of the garage and extended into the residence, resulting in significant damage to the exterior walls, windows, and portions of the upper level. During firefighting operations, a firefighter from the Albion Fire Department sustained a leg injury involving a fire department vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators from Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators identified the garage as the reported area where the fire originated. A woodstove operating inside the garage was identified as a potential ignition source. However, other possible ignition sources, including electrical equipment and electric bicycles stored in the garage, could not be ruled out. The exact cause of the fire has not been determined, and the investigation remains ongoing. During the incident, three horses escaped from an enclosure on the property. The horses remained loose for several hours before all three were safely located and returned to their enclosure. The China Fire Department received mutual aid assistance from the Albion, Winslow, Waterville, Sidney, Palermo, and Windsor Fire Departments.

*As the heating season begins, the Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents to ensure woodstoves and other heating appliances are properly installed and maintained, with adequate clearance from combustible materials. Residents should also ensure that garages, workshops, and other areas containing heating appliances are kept free of unnecessary combustible materials.

*The horses referred to in the story may have been mules.

10/19/2026

FMO Investigates Castle Hill Fire, Reminds Mainers of Woodstove Safety

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at approximately 1:09 pm, the Mapleton Fire Department, which provides fire suppression services to the town of Castle Hill, was dispatched to a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions. Fire crews were able to suppress the fire, which caused substantial damage to the residence. The sole occupant of the mobile home, a 60-year-old male, sustained a hand injury while attempting to extinguish the fire. Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Following an examination of the scene, investigators determined that the fire originated in the immediate area of an operating woodstove. The woodstove ignited combustible wall materials located behind it, resulting in the fire spreading throughout the mobile home. State Fire Marshal investigators classified the fire as accidental. With the heating season now underway, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents of the importance of ensuring that woodstoves and other heating appliances are properly installed and maintained. Residents should verify that all heating appliances have the required clearances from combustible materials, including walls, furniture, and other nearby items. The State Fire Marshal’s Office emphasizes that maintaining proper clearances between heating appliances and combustible materials is essential to preventing residential fires and protecting lives and property.

10/19/2026

Medway Man Arrested for Arson

The State Fire Marshal’s Office announces the arrest of a Medway man following an investigation into two separate fires that occurred in Medway and Woodville. On September 30, 2026, at approximately 10:46 pm, the Medway Fire Department responded to 271 Turnpike Road in Medway for a reported fire involving a camper. The fire destroyed the camper and caused damage to a nearby mobile home and storage shelter. Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene at the request of the Medway Fire Department to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. On October 1, 2026, State Fire Marshal investigators were called to a gravel pit in Woodville to investigate a separate vehicle fire. During the investigation, State Fire Marshal investigators determined that both the camper and the vehicle were owned by 41-year-old Paul York of Medway. As a result of the investigation fire investigators determined York was responsible for setting both fires. The State Fire Marshal’s obtained an arrest warrant for York. On Monday, October 19, 2026, York was arrested by the East Millinocket Police Department on the warrant obtained by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

York is facing the following charges:
• Two counts of Arson
• Aggravated Criminal Mischief
• Violation of Condition of Release

York is currently being held at the Penobscot County Jail. The East Millinocket Police Department, which provides law enforcement services to the town of Medway, assisted State Fire Marshal investigators throughout the investigation. The State Fire Marshal’s Office would also acknowledges the assistance of the Medway Fire Department and East Millinocket Ambulance.

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

Multiyear fire service research project nearing completion

The Maine Office of the State Fire Marshal and the University of Maine’s Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center are nearing completion of a multiyear research project examining Maine’s fire service and community safety needs.

The effort grew from a 2019 Hancock County pilot, with statewide planning and grant applications underway in 2022 and statewide surveys conducted in 2025. Funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, the project represents hundreds of hours of research, data collection, interviews and analysis.

The study surveyed 219 fire departments, along with code enforcement officers and municipal administrators. UMaine researchers independently conducted interviews with 25 fire chiefs across 14 counties to better understand these challenges and their effects on local communities. Challenges identified by local departments include an aging fire apparatus fleet, aging firefighters, daytime staffing shortages, and barriers to training and participation caused by lost wages and competing family obligations.

State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler credited the UMaine research team, former State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas, former State Fire Marshal Rich McCarthy, Maine Senior Planner Richard Taylor and participating fire service leaders for their contributions to the project.

“This work will help lawmakers make informed decisions affecting Maine’s fire service for years to come,” said Esler. “It documents the challenges our firefighters face and gives us a clearer understanding of the support they need to continue protecting their communities.”

“Maine’s volunteer fire departments are facing staffing challenges at a time when apparatus and equipment costs continue to rise,” said Dominic Piacentini, a research associate at the University of Maine’s Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center. “Many are working to reduce costs to taxpayers through grants, fundraising and delaying equipment replacement, but new investments are needed to ensure volunteer firefighters can continue serving their communities.”

The project’s recommendations focus on three areas:

•Maintaining reliable statewide firefighter workforce information.
•Improving access to training by addressing distance, time, and cost barriers.
•Strengthening employer support so volunteer firefighters can participate in training and respond to emergencies.

A PowerPoint presentation summarizing the project and its findings is available on the Maine Office of the State Fire Marshal’s website. A comprehensive report will be published in early 2027.

https://www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/fire-prevention/reports

10/16/2026

FMO Investigating Structure Fire in Paris

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a structure fire that destroyed a single-family home in Paris on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The fire was reported at approximately 3:28 pm, The residence was deemed a total loss. Several pets died in the fire, but no people were injured. Due to the extensive damage, the cause of the fire has been classified as undetermined. Investigators have not ruled out several possible electrical causes. The fire is not considered suspicious at this time.

The American Red Cross is assisting the property owners. The Paris, Norway and Hebron Fire Departments responded to the scene, along with PACE Ambulance and the Paris Police Department.

10/16/2026

FMO Investigating Fatal Fire in Bangor

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that occurred Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at a two-unit apartment building at 72 Cedar Street in Bangor. At approximately 6:36 am, the Bangor Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered an active fire and learned that one occupant was unable to escape the building. One person died as a result of the fire. Two other occupants were transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for smoke inhalation. Both were treated and released.

Investigators with the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and conducted interviews and an examination of the fire scene. The building sustained substantial damage to both floors.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and the investigation is ongoing. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending an examination by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

10/08/2026

The State Fire Marshal’s Office Inspectors and Investigators are at the Fryeburg Fair all week!

You’ll find us set up near our great partners at the Fryeburg Fire Department. Stop by, say hello, and learn more about what our Inspectors and Investigators do to help keep Maine communities safe.

And if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet one—or all three—of our accelerant detection K-9s!

Let’s be honest… there’s no doubt the K-9s are stealing the show!

Come see us, meet the team, and give our four-legged investigators a well-deserved hello!

We’ll see you at the Fryeburg Fair!