State fire investigators have determined that a Friday morning fire at Chasse Marine Company in Damariscotta was accidental and likely originated from one of two potential ignition sources.
The Damariscotta Fire Department responded at approximately 10:09 a.m. on Friday, July 31, to a reported structure fire at 460 Main Street, home to Chasse Marine Company.
When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire conditions and requested assistance from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office to determine the cause of the blaze.
According to investigators, the fire originated in an area where a worker had been performing grinding operations. Officials said they could not rule out the possibility that sparks generated during the grinding process ignited the fire.
Investigators also identified lithium-ion batteries stored within the area of origin as a second possible ignition source. Because evidence supported both possibilities, the fire has been officially classified as accidental.
One adult male sustained minor injuries during the incident. He was transported to MaineHealth Miles Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and later released.
The building was insured. No additional injuries were reported.
