Nine fire trucks responded to the evening blaze that leveled the two-story structure.
DURHAM – A fire that destroyed an old farmhouse at 506 Newell Brook Road Tuesday night was the result of a “human element,” according to Investigator Joel Davis of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Davis was called to the scene Tuesday night and on Wednesday said investigators were “putting papers together” to present to the district attorney. He declined to provide any further details on how the 9 p.m. fire started or if there were any suspects, saying the incident remains under investigation. As is the usual practice in fire investigations, many people are questioned and everything is looked at, he said.
Durham Fire Chief Bill St. Michel said the large, old, two-story, wood-frame building was engulfed in flames when Durham firefighters arrived and no one was at home. The occupant was identified as Edward Bernier Jr., who was also believed to be the owner, but this could not be confirmed. Davis did not know if anyone else lived at the residence. Loss to the building and contents has been estimated at between $50,000 and $100,000.
A total of nine fire trucks from five area towns, Lisbon Falls, Pownal, New Gloucester, Brunswick and Freeport responded to assist Durham firefighters. Also at the scene, in addition to Davis, were Maine State Trooper Griffin for traffic control, Northeast Ambulance, Durham First Responders and the Salvation Army Mobile feeding unit.
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