BRUNSWICK, ME — The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a structure fire that occurred on Thursday, Dec. 25, just after 3 p.m. at a residence on Bridge Road.
The Brunswick Fire Department responded to the scene and observed heavy smoke coming from the roof area and rear eaves of the residence.
Firefighters made entry into the structure and located fire on the second floor, with the heaviest fire involvement found in the ceiling area above an industrial-style fan.
Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, preventing extensive damage to the residence.
The Brunswick Fire Department requested assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Fire investigators responded to the scene and met with the homeowner and her son.
The area had experienced a power outage for several hours and the residents were operating on a portable generator.
After the generator shut down, the homeowner’s son restarted it, at which point heavy smoke was observed coming from the eaves.
The generator was immediately shut off and unplugged.
Upon entering the residence, the son called 911 and then encountered heavy smoke descending the stairway.
He safely evacuated his mother and all animals from the home.
Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the attic area.
The cause is believed to be an electrical malfunction involving the fan unit, likely associated with a power surge when the generator was restarted.
The heaviest fire damage was located in the attic, with fire debris falling into the second-floor area below.
No injuries were reported.
