JONESBORO, Maine — The state fire marshal is investigating a fire that destroyed a Station Road home Friday, according to Mike Schoppee, Jonesboro fire chief.
Schoppee said Sunday it appeared attempts to start a fire in a wood stove in the home sparked the blaze in the house owned by Ellic Smith, who was not in the house at the time.
“There were three young people in their early 20s in the house at the time,” Schoppee said. “It looks like they were starting a fire in the wood stove.”
All three, including one who lived in the home, sustained minor burns and were transported to Down East Community Hospital.
A pet cat escaped after someone broke a window so it could get out.
The identities or condition of the three people at the Station Road home was not available on Sunday.
Schoppee said the fire was reported around 3:45 p.m. and the front half of the ranch-style house was fully involved by the time the first crews arrived on the scene.
Firefighters from Jonesboro, Marshfield, Machiasport and Epping responded to the fire. In all, Schoppee said 25 firefighters were on the scene until 10 p.m.
Schoppee said the home, which was not insured, is a total loss.
The occupants are currently staying with friends, Schoppee said.
