SOUTH CHINA — A fire that destroyed a home Monday on Lakeview Drive is believed to be a case of arson, according to the Office of State Fire Marshal.
The fire started in the living room, according to Sgt. Joel Davis, of the fire marshal’s office. Officials believe it was intentionally set using “ordinary combustibles,” or items that were there in the house.
Davis has yet to charge anyone for the crime, which is a felony, but said the office has a “person of interest.”
He expects to release more information in the coming days.
Firefighters were first called to the home at 230 Lakeview Drive around 11:30 a.m. Monday. They were at the scene for nearly six hours, leaving at 5:19 p.m., according to dispatchers.
The home is owned by Phil and Rebecca Poulin, according to Davis. Rebecca Poulin was home when the fire started.
One person was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation. Davis wouldn’t release the name of the person or the hospital or elaborate on the extent of the injuries.
The single-story house is a total loss. Davis said he thinks the owners have insurance.
Five departments fought the fire Monday, including all three of China’s fire departments and the Vassalboro and Winslow fire departments. An excavator was used to reach the roof, but the building was not torn down.
The home suffered minor damage when a fire started in the bathroom in June. Davis said the cause of that fire was “undetermined.”
Madeline St. Amour — 861-9239
mstamour@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @madelinestamour
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