State fire investigators have arrested two men in connection with a house fire in Augusta that authorities say was intentionally set, with both suspects allegedly committing the crime while already out on bail for other cases.
Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal arrested 27-year-old Samuel Howard of Pittston and 32-year-old Trevor Shorette of Augusta following a month-long investigation into a November 15, 2025, fire at a residence on Lilac Lane.
According to investigators, Augusta Police Dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 5:16 a.m. reporting a house fire at 16 Lilac Lane. The Augusta Fire Department and Augusta Police Department responded to the scene. Several residents were inside the home at the time of the fire but were awakened by a neighbor, allowing the fire to be quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported.
Due to circumstances observed at the scene, Augusta police requested assistance from the Fire Marshal’s Office. Investigators responded immediately, processed the scene, and later determined the fire had been intentionally set.
On December 18, investigators arrested Howard and charged him with Class A arson and Class E violating conditions of release. At the time of the offense, Howard was on five separate sets of bail conditions. He is currently being held at the Kennebec County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.
As the investigation continued, fire investigators sought an arrest warrant for Shorette for his role in the incident. On December 23, investigators arrested Shorette on the warrant, charging him with Class A arson and Class E violating conditions of release. Shorette was on two sets of bail conditions at the time of the offense and is being held at the Kennebec County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office or submit a tip through the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-870-6162.
