3 Fires, 1 Fatal Under Investigation by the Maine Fire Marshal

The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating fires in three communities, one of which claimed the life of a 66-year-old man.

Fatal Fire in Augusta, Maine Investigated by the State Fire Marshal's Office

The deceased in an Augusta house fire has been identified as 66-year-old Michael Keith.

Augusta Fire crews responded to a house fire at 347 Riverside Drive at approximately 2:03 pm on Thursday. When they arrived, they found a fire in the basement of the single-family home.

They also discovered Mr. Keith outside the home with severe burns. He was transported to Maine General Hospital and then sent by LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he passed away from his injuries.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal's Office say combustible liquids left too close to the chimney cleanout door in the basement caused the fire.

Lisbon, Maine Resident Called 911 to Report a Neighbor's House on Fire

In Lisbon on Thursday, a neighbor called 911 at approximately 10 am to report that the home next door at 104 Ferry Road was filled with smoke and was showing visible flames.

The Lisbon Fire Department says the home suffered extensive heat and smoke damage and is considered a total loss.

No injuries were reported.

The State Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire started on a mattress in the bedroom, possibly due to a malfunctioning electric blanket.

The Cause of a Fire in an Abandoned Building in Bridgton, Maine, Investigated

The third fire occurred on Friday, when crews were called to 6 Cross Street in Bridgton just before 4 am.

The building was believed to be abandoned, and fire officials couldn't confirm whether anyone was inside, so investigators with the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office were called to investigate.

They determined no one was in the structure at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the Bridgton fire is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal's Office at 207-624-7076.