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An electrical malfunction in a ceiling of the lodge at Troll Valley Campground caused a fire Sunday afternoon that destroyed the lodge, campground store and office, and displaced four people, Farmington Fire Rescue Chief Tim Hardy said Monday.

There were no injuries reported among the four people living in the building or the first responders. A cat died in the blaze, while two dogs and another cat escaped.

Smoke pours from a building Sunday afternoon as firefighters battle a fire at the Troll Valley Campground in Farmington. About 60 firefighters from nine departments responded to the blaze, which was caused by an electrical malfunction in the basement ceiling, Fire Rescue Chief Tim Hardy said. The lodge, store and four residential spaces were destroyed. Three pets escaped, but one cat died, he said. (Courtesy of Farmington Fire Rescue)

Mike Sayward of Farmington, who lives nearby, owns the campground. The property is insured, Hardy said.

When firefighters arrived, there was heavy smoke throughout the building and significant fire in the basement, Hardy said.

Inspectors from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal investigated the cause and determined it was accidental and the result of an electrical malfunction in the basement ceiling, he said.

About 60 firefighters from Farmington, Chesterville, Wilton, New Sharon, Jay, East Dixfield, Temple, Strong and Phillips responded to the report of heavy smoke about 1:35 p.m. MaineHealth EMS ambulance personnel and Farmington Police Department also assisted.

Farmington Fire Rescue Chief Tim Hardy, left, directs firefighters Sunday afternoon at the Troll Valley Campground in Farmington where an electrical malfunction sparked a blaze that destroyed the lodge, store and office, and displaced four people. Three pets escaped, but one cat died, he said. (Courtesy of Farmington Fire Rescue)

The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

Donna M. Perry is a general assignment reporter who has lived in Livermore Falls for 30 years and has worked for the Sun Journal for 20 years. Before that she was a correspondent for the Livermore Falls...

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