PHILLIPS – A camp at 531 Salem Road was destroyed by fire Monday afternoon, said Phillips fire Chief Jim Gould.

A passing motorist noticed smoke coming from the eaves of the unoccupied camp owned by Tom Evans of Phillips and called for the fire department, but the camp was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, he said.

A small crew had been at the camp clearing snow from the roof earlier in the day and started a small fire in the fireplace, he said. Residue from that fire may have caused the blaze, but the cause is unclear now. The fire marshal was called and is investigating the incident, he said.

The approximately 25- by 25-foot camp with a wrap-around-porch was destroyed but firefighters were able to save a garage near it. The camp was furnished and has been leased but was unoccupied.

Gould estimated damage at around $40,000, but didn’t know if it was insured.

Along with Phillips firefighters, crews from Salem, Strong and Kingfield were called to help at the scene.