AUGUSTA — A joint investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and Yarmouth Police Department has led to arrests in connection with seven intentionally set fires in Poland and Yarmouth between November 2024 and March.
Two 18-year-olds have been arrested and charged in connection with separate fires, authorities announced Tuesday.
James Akers of Portland was arrested on March 20 for allegedly burning a U.S. Forest Service sign in Yarmouth on March 19.
Jacob Kaiser of Biddeford was arrested on May 13 for a March 1 fire that destroyed a vacant single-family residence on Madeleine Point Road in Yarmouth.
Both men were transported to Cumberland County Jail and later released on bail.
Two 17-year-old juveniles have also been identified as involved in the arson cases, but their names are being withheld due to their age.
The string of fires began on November 17, 2024, with blazes at the vacant Elan School in Poland and at a construction site on West Main Street in Yarmouth.
Additional fires occurred at the same Yarmouth construction site on January 2, twice more at the Elan School on March 1 and March 7, and at another vacant Yarmouth residence on March 1.
Investigators believe Akers and Kaiser may be connected to additional fires and other criminal activity during the same period.
Evidence in those cases will be presented to Cumberland and Androscoggin County Grand Juries in coming months, with additional charges anticipated.
