CORNISH, Maine – An 18-year-old Cornish man has been arrested in connection with a suspicious fire that damaged a residence on Old Pike Road earlier this week, according to the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal.
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Pather Joyce, 18, of Cornish, was arrested on a warrant charging him with one count of arson and one count of failing to control or report a dangerous fire.
The charges stem from a fire that occurred at 32 Old Pike Road in Cornish on the night of May 25.
At approximately 10:47 p.m. that night, the Cornish Fire Department responded to the home for a reported structure fire. When crews arrived, they determined the two-story residence had been occupied by one person at the time of the fire.
Authorities said the occupant lived in the front half of the structure and was able to escape safely without injury.
The rear portion of the residence, which was unfinished, sustained significant fire damage.
Investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to the scene that evening and later determined the fire to be suspicious in nature.
As part of the investigation, officials examined the fire scene, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed surveillance video.
The Office of State Fire Marshal had previously asked for the public’s assistance in identifying three male individuals captured in a video released by investigators.
Officials said Saturday that all three individuals shown in the video have now been identified. Investigators have contacted all three and determined they are not suspects in the fire.
The investigation revealed that Joyce acted alone, according to officials.
Joyce is currently being held at the York County Jail on $50,000 cash bail.
The investigation remains ongoing.
