MILO (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci said Wednesday he was heartsick to see the damage caused by a weekend fire that left much of the small downtown area in ruins, and promised to work with local officials to bring the rural town’s business district back to life.

Meanwhile, officials from the state Fire Marshal’s office photographed the devastation from the air as part of their investigation into the fire, which has been declared arson.

While investigators have identified a “person of interest,” no arrests were expected Wednesday and more interviews were to be conducted, said spokesman Stephen McCausland of the state Public Safety Department.

“The case remains under active investigation,” McCausland said.

Lt. Joe Thomas of the state fire marshal’s office said five buildings, comprising about one-third of the downtown of the Piscataquis County town of about 2,300 people, were either lost or significantly damaged. No one was injured in the fire. Officials said adjusters and insurance companies were still assessing damages in the buildings, which were wooden and about a century old.

“We haven’t been able to give a ballpark figure yet,” said Town Manager Jeff Gahagan.

Baldacci walked through the damaged area Wednesday, met with owners of the businesses that were lost and attended a meeting in the town hall where administration officials explained economic development grants and other programs that could help to revive the business district.

“It really amazed me seeing the devastation for the first time,” Baldacci said. “It is an entire whole block.”

But he added that “the people have really responded well” and were determined “to make the downtown better.” Milo had a plan for the redevelopment of its downtown district before Sunday’s fire hit, Baldacci noted.

The town could benefit from a portion of a $250,000 federal Economic Development Administration grant the state has already received, the governor said.

State Economic and Community Development Commissioner John Richardson and representatives of Maine’s congressional delegation also were among those attending Wednesday’s meeting.

Gahagan said an account has been set up for donations to those affected by the fire. One family of seven and four other individuals lost their homes, and 15 to 20 people lost their jobs, he said.

The town has been overwhelmed with donations of furniture and appliances for the victims, but had only received a couple of thousand dollars in cash donations, said Gahagan. He encouraged those who wish to help the families to donate money, gift cards or grocery gift cards.

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