VASSALBORO — A local teenager is accused of setting a camper ablaze early Friday and then reporting the fire at a neighbor’s home.

The arrest was one of several on arson charges reported over the weekend, according to Department of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland.

The 17-year-old, whose name was withheld because of his age, was charged with arson after setting the fire at Hemphills Farm on Oak Grove Road, according to Sgt. Kenneth Grimes.

The teenager has since been released, Grimes said. He is expected to appear in court later this spring.

The fire was reported around 2:30 a.m. Friday.

Rowe said the 1988 Ford motor home was in ruins by the time firefighters arrived a few minutes later.

• Also over the weekend, two 15-year-old Rumford boys were charged with arson after allegedly setting a fire at a Hammond Lumber yard Sunday.

• Two Livermore Falls boys, ages 14 and 15, were charged with criminal use of explosives after making six bombs using acid and soda bottles.

• Investigators also continue to look into fires they believe were intentionally set in Detroit, Boothbay Harbor and Milo.

In Detroit, a camper trailer used to store antiques off Troy Road was torched late Friday. A house under construction in Boothbay Harbor and a farmhouse in Milo were both badly damaged by fire.

Kennebec Journal Staff Writer Craig Crosby can be contacted at 621-5642 or at: ccrosby@centralmaine.com

 

Copy the Story Link