STAFF REPORT

State investigators are trying to determine what sparked more than a dozen grass and wood fires Monday morning in Richmond and Gardiner.

A total of 16 fires were reported within minutes, around 11:30 a.m., over several miles of Interstate 295 in Richmond and Marston Road in Gardiner, police said. No injuries were reported.

Maine Forest Ranger Matt Gomes said several rangers were working Monday afternoon to determine what caused the rash of fires.

“The preliminary investigation is pointing toward a defective vehicle,” Gomes said.

Gardiner Fire Capt. Rich Kindelan said several fires on Marston Road spread into the woods. The fires in Gardiner were primarily believed to be grass fires. None of the fires threatened homes or other structures, Kindelan said.

Firefighters from Farmingdale, Randolph, Pittston, West Gardiner were called to help put out the fires, Kindelan said. The Kennebec County Emergency Management Agency also assisted, he said.

The fires were all under control in about an hour.

 


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