Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A home, located at 98 Easton Road (Route 10) in Presque Isle and reportedly owned by Kim Becker, was destroyed by fire on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
INVESTIGATORS determined a fire at an Easton Road home in Presque Isle on Thursday was intentionally set. The blaze destroyed the two-story structure, reportedly owned by Kim Becker. Here, firefighters from Easton, at right, assist Presque Isle firefighters, at left, as windy conditions hampered their efforts.
The Presque Isle Police Department received a call via 9-1-1 at approximately 12:59 p.m. on Thursday reporting a structure fire. The Presque Isle Fire Department was dispatched and arrived at the scene at about 1:10 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found the house fully involved.
Easton, Fort Fairfield and Caribou fire departments were contacted and provided mutual aid at the fire scene and provided backup at the Presque Isle fire station.
When firefighters arrived at the home, flames were visibly shooting from the roof and around eaves. Crews got right to work battling the blaze. Unable to wait for Maine Public Service to disconnect the power, firefighters had to dodge live wires as they burned free of the house, swinging loosely, sparks flying.
Tim Lowell, senior investigator of the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, responded to the scene to investigated. He was assisted by Det. Bill Scull of the PIPD. Investigators have determined the fire had a human element to it.
“A joint investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the PIPD determined the fire was intentionally set,” said Scull.
According to Scull, an adult male was found at the scene with significant injuries.
“The male was identified as Robert LaPointe, 61, of Presque Isle. He was transported by Crown Ambulance to The Aroostook Medical Center and later transported by Lifeflight helicopter to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor,” said Scull.
When contacted for information on the patient’s condition on Tuesday, a spokesperson at EMMC had no information on anyone by that name.
No other injuries were reported in relation to the fire. It took firefighters several hours to extinguish the blaze. The home, assessed for tax purposes at $96,400, was deemed a total loss. Officials did not indicate if the home was insured.
Attempts to reach Lowell to confirm if charges are pending were unsuccessful at presstime.
“The investigation continues,” said Scull.
