FORT KENT, ME — The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that claimed the life of a woman Monday.
The Fort Kent Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at a multi-unit apartment building at 42 East Main Street at approximately 12:15 p.m. Monday.
Firefighters made entry and located a single adult female inside the first-floor apartment.
Lifesaving efforts were provided with no success.
The deceased is tentatively identified as Ruth Charles, 56, of Fort Kent.
Charles was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy and positive identification will take place.
State Fire Marshal investigators determined the fire originated in the bedroom of the apartment where Charles lived and is accidental in nature.
Two competing accidental causes cannot be ruled out: electrical or candle.
Charles lived in the apartment alone.
Two other tenants were displaced temporarily.
