RAYMOND — A brush fire that authorities believe was started by a homeowner who left burning debris unattended, torched more than five acres of woods and threatened at least two homes in Raymond on the Valley Road this afternoon.
Raymond’s Assistant Fire Chief Bruce Tupper said it took nine fire departments about three hours to bring the woods fire under control. It destroyed 5 1/2 acres while threatening two homes.
Tupper said the fast moving fire was being driven by wind gusts that reached speeds of 35 to 45 miles per hour.
The matter has been turned over to the Maine Forest Service which will investigate. Tupper said the individual under investigation did not obtain a burn permit from the Raymond Fire Department.
Tupper said the fire appears to have started in a pit where that person may have been burning yard debris. He could be forced to pay restitution.
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