Maine Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fatal Wednesday Evening Fire

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office is in the process of investigating a fatal fire that happened on Wenesday evening in Sumner.

The press release explains that the Sumner Fire Department was called out around five in the evening for a structure fire on Valley Road.  The call came from someone who spotted flames from a distance and immediately contacted 911.

Getting to the home was not easy.  Crews had to navigate a long, rough approach that stretched close to a mile.  The property sits completely off the grid, so firefighters relied on all terrain vehicles and four wheel drive trucks just to reach it.  When they finally arrived, they found an adult man outside the home who had already passed away.

The house itself ran on propane and solar power and there was nothing left to save. Because of the loss of life and the unusual conditions surrounding the fire, the Sumner Fire Department asked the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office to take over the investigation into how the fire started.  That work is still underway.

Investigators are also working with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta to confirm the identity of the man who was found at the scene.  For now, officials are not releasing any additional information.

When we learn more about the incident we will pass it on to you.