FRIENDSHIP, Maine — State fire investigators are probing an explosion and late-night structure fire at a single-family home in Friendship that left an adult woman with substantial, life-threatening injuries.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at about 9:44 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2026, reporting an explosion followed by a fire at a residence at 36 N. Harbor Cemetery Lane, officials said.
The Friendship Fire Department responded along with several neighboring departments. Firefighters located an adult female outside the residence and identified her as an occupant of the home. She was treated on scene by Waldoboro Rescue before being transported by LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to officials.
Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal responded to the scene and said evidence indicated a small explosion had occurred. The investigation found the residence did not have electrical service and generators were being used to supply power. The home was also being heated by a fireplace.
Propane gas was being used for cooking, and several propane cylinders of varying sizes were located in and around the residence, officials said.
The investigation remains ongoing, though officials said the incident is not considered suspicious at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
