An 18-year-old Belfast man has been charged with arson after investigators determined that a basement fire at a City Point Road residence was intentionally set, according to the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal.
The Belfast Fire Department responded to 53 City Point Road at approximately 8:10 p.m. on Wednesday following a report of a basement fire.
When firefighters arrived, they found that the homeowner had already extinguished the small fire. The residence was filled with smoke, prompting crews to ventilate the building.
Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to determine the fire’s origin and cause. Authorities concluded that the blaze originated in the basement and had been deliberately set.
Although the fire caused only minor damage to the basement, officials said it produced a significant amount of smoke throughout the residence.
Following the investigation, State Fire Marshal investigators arrested Christopher Gordon, 18, of Belfast, and charged him with arson. Gordon lives at the residence with other family members.
No occupants were injured, and several pets that were inside the home at the time of the fire were also unharmed.
Authorities said Gordon was already subject to conditions of release in an unrelated matter when he was arrested. No bail was set pending his initial court appearance.
The investigation remains ongoing.
