Update March 25, 2024: Though a cause has not been officially determined, Fire Marshal’s Office investigators are looking at the possibility that discarded smoking materials are linked to a fire that rendered a two-story residential structure as a complete loss.

Two occupants within the building were transported, and then released from, a local hospital for minor injuries.

This update was provided from the FMO to Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer for the Maine Department of Public Safety, at the request of the Pen Bay Pilot. The Pilot had requested information directly from the Searsmont Fire Department, but could not obtain any further information.

SEARSMONT — Few details are available at this time as firefighters clean up from a fire that destroyed a house on the Ghent Road, Thursday evening, March 21, 2024. Among the unanswered questions are those pertaining to the cause and extent of injuries inflicted upon two occupants who were home at the time when the blaze was reported. One occupant, who was not injured, is said to be an EMT for Searsmont.

Appleton Fire Department was called to assist as mutual aid to the two-story structure at 163 Ghent Road, just off of Route 131, at approximately 6:50 p.m., joining firefighters from Searsmont, Morrill, and Lincolnville. Almost exactly three hours later, some of the AFD apparatus was released from the scene and returned to its station to clean up. Within those three hours – and two full days into Spring – crews battled low-to-mid 20 degree temperatures and a bitter chill produced by wind gusts that intermittently screened the flames from view. The house, however, could not maintain its solid beams, and crumbled to ash.

The home of Paul and Kate Sweetland is a total loss. Kate and another person suffered minor burns from the incident, according to a neighbor, and a cat has not been found.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com