The Maine Office of State Fire Marshal is investigating an intentionally set fire inside a Waterville memory care facility that forced residents to evacuate early Thursday morning.
Investigators responded during the early morning hours of Aug. 13 to Woodlands Memory Care Unit, located at 141 West River Road, after a fire was reported inside the facility.
According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, investigators interviewed witnesses and conducted a detailed examination of the scene before determining that the fire originated inside a resident’s bedroom and had been intentionally set.
The circumstances surrounding the fire have since been referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Despite the potentially dangerous setting, damage was limited to a laundry basket and a comforter.
The facility’s sprinkler system activated and extinguished the flames before the fire could spread to the building or other items inside the room, according to investigators.
All residents were evacuated from the facility as a precaution, and no injuries were reported.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional details about how the fire was started or whether anyone could face charges.
The Office of State Fire Marshal said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
