One Dead Following Friday Night Fire in Dexter, Maine

The Maine State Fire Marshal's Office is in the process of investigating a fatal fire that happened on Friday evening in Dexter.

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety's Shannon Moss, fire crews were called to a house fire in Dexter Friday evening.

According to the Dexter Fire Department, crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 62 Grove Street around 5:30 PM.

When firefighters arrived, they found a two-story, single-family home heavily involved in fire.

Crews were told that one person had escaped the home, but a second occupant was still unaccounted for.  While battling the fire, firefighters located a deceased man on the second floor of the home.

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Because of the fatality, the Office of the State Fire Marshal was requested to assist. Fire Marshal investigators responded to the scene and began an origin and cause investigation.

Investigators say the fire appears to have started in the kitchen and is believed to be cooking-related.  The investigation is still ongoing as officials continue to examine the scene and interview witnesses.

The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where formal identification will be made.

Dexter firefighters were assisted at the scene by crews from Dover-Foxcroft, Corinna, Newport, Sangerville, and Garland.