GORHAM, ME — A 15-year-old has been charged with arson in connection with a fire at an abandoned structure on Jan. 14.
The fire occurred at 23 Tow Path Road at approximately 2:55 p.m.
The Gorham Fire Department responded to the scene and observed heavy smoke and fire showing from the left side of the structure.
The residence was uninhabitable, boarded up, and had not been occupied for several years.
No injuries were reported.
The Gorham Fire Department, with assistance from the Windham Fire Department, conducted fire suppression operations and successfully contained and extinguished the fire.
Circumstances surrounding the fire were deemed suspicious, prompting the Gorham Fire Department to request assistance from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Following a joint investigation, Gorham Police and Fire Investigators determined that the juvenile entered the vacant building and intentionally started the fire.
During the scene examination, investigators observed that although the residence had been boarded up, one of the boards covering a front window appeared to have been pulled down, and one of the boarded entry doors showed signs of forced damage.
The juvenile has been charged with Class A arson and was released to the custody of his parents.
The juvenile and his parents have been cooperative throughout the investigation, which remains ongoing.
