Bangor fire marshal investigates arson at local business

BANGOR — The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office has arrested an unhoused individual in connection with an arson at a Bangor business.

On Monday, May 12, at approximately 11:51 p.m., the Bangor Fire Department responded to a commercial building fire at Bangor Braces, located at 257 Harlow Street.

Bangor firefighters noted suspicious circumstances regarding the origin and cause of the fire and requested assistance from the Office of State Fire Marshal.

A fire investigator responded to the scene and determined that the fire originated on the exterior of the building near two plastic trash cans before extending to the interior.

Following a thorough scene examination, the fire was ruled arson.

As a result of the investigation, 30-year-old Kerry Smith, an unhoused individual in Bangor, was identified, located, and arrested by investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Smith has been charged with arson and was transported to the Penobscot County Jail.

The fire caused approximately $20,000 in damage to the building.

No injuries were reported, and the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The investigation remains ongoing.