KNOX, Maine — The state fire marshal’s office has concluded that a barn and house that burned late Friday night was the result of arson. The structures at 1007 Belfast Road — also known as Route 137 — were unoccupied, and no one was hurt, Sgt. Ken Grimes reported.
The fire was started at the outside corner of the barn which Grimes believes was attached to the house. Investigators have not yet determined whether an accelerant was used.
The house is owned by Merle Stetson of Berkley, Mass., Grimes said. It has been vacant, and no utilities were connected to the house, he said. The house was not insured. Damage was extensive, he said.
The fire remains under investigation.
I hope they catch the person responsible. That was a nice old house. No insurance, what a shame.
The owners came up to this house to relax and get away for many, many years. (More than 30.) It was a humble but homey place used and enjoyed by a very nice family. They paid their taxes and never bothered anyone. They allowed the snowmobile trail to cross their land and were friendly with their neighbors. Someone ruined all that with the strike of a match. If you know who did this call the Waldo County Sheriffs Office at 338-2420 so they can be held accountable for this cowardly act.
It’s such a shame that people feel they have the right to destroy property belonging to others. I hope they catch the person that did this. I also hope that person i prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.