HOULTON, Maine — An investigator from the state fire marshal’s office said Monday that careless disposal of smoking materials sparked the blaze that significantly damaged a home in the community on Friday.
Homeowner Tracy Hall, another adult and a juvenile were able to get out safely, according to Senior Investigator Tim Lowell. He said the fire at 46 River St. started in the garage area.
“There was a lot of damage to the home,” said Lowell, adding it was one of the adults who was careless with the smoking materials and not the juvenile.
The fire, which was reported to the Houlton Fire Department at around 11:40 a.m., was extinguished by about 2 p.m. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters.
Friends and neighbors of Tracy Hall and her family are working together to collect donations to help the family. Those who can help are asked to drop off donations of clothing or other items at 48 or 50 River St. in Houlton.
Clothing needed are women’s size extra-large shirts, size 16 pants and size 8.5 shoes; men’s size medium shirts, 30-by-30 pants, 32-by-34 pants, and size 9 and 12 shoes.