Man Destroys Parents’ House Trying To Exterminate Ants
An Old Orchard Beach man set fire to his parents' home on Saturday while trying to incinerate ants in the basement, according to authorities.
The State Fire Marshal's Office said Devon Doucette, 21, was attempting to get rid of the ants by burning them with wooden matches.
One of the matches set fire to some nearby combustibles, and the fire spread throughout the one-story Harmon Street house, destroying it.
Doucette was treated for smoke inhalation and burns to his hands and released.
The house is owned by his parents, Maurice and Barbara Doucette. They were not at home at the time. The family’s two cats and a dog died in the fire.
Fire investigators say no charges are likely.