COLUMBIA, Maine — A family of four has been displaced after their home was gutted by fire, Columbia Volunteer Fire Department Chief Cecil Gray reported Sunday.
Investigators from the state fire marshal’s office were expected on the scene Monday, he said.
The fire at the home on Webb District Road, off U.S. Route 1 and just west of the village of Harrington, occurred Friday afternoon.
Harrington firefighters were on the scene within four minutes after the fire was reported at 3:50 p.m., according to Gray. The fire was under control in about 10 minutes.
It was gutted, however, and considered a total loss. The two-bedroom, ranch-style home would cost about $150,000 to rebuild, Gray estimated.
Three members of the family were home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.
The fire was believed to have been caused by cigarette butts dumped into a trash can in a bedroom, Gray said. The fire originated in the same bedroom.
Smoke triggered a smoke detector, and the residents investigated. They called 911 when they realized the house was on fire.
Firefighters remained on the scene until about 6:30 p.m. In addition to the Harrington Fire Department, firefighters from Columbia, Milbridge, Addison and Cherryfield also responded.
The Red Cross is assisting the family.