ALFRED — Former Old Orchard Beach Fire Chief Ricky Plummer has been indicted on charges of arson and failure to control or report a fire.

Plummer, 59, of Biddeford, was indicted at York County Superior Court Wednesday. An indictment is not a finding of guilt, but a determination that enough evidence exists to commence prosecution.

Plummer was arrested on May 7 and is accused of starting a seven-alarm brush and woods fire on April 15 that spanned about 40 acres near Jones Creek and took about 100 firefighters from several communities two hours to extinguish. Residents from a nearby condominium complex were asked to evacuate for a short period.

According to an affidavit prepared by Maine Forest Ranger Matthew Bennett, Plummer told authorities he was responsible for the fire, but that it was not intentional. He claimed he smoked a cigarette in the woods, and that the blaze started after he discarded the cigarette and matches.

Arson is a Class A felony carrying a maximum prison term of 30 years.

Plummer made $10,000 bail in May, with one of the restrictions being he is not allowed in Old Orchard Beach. He is scheduled to next appear in court on Sept. 8.

After his arrest, Plummer was put on administrative leave from the town. He resigned from the position on May 15.

On Tuesday, the Old Orchard Beach Town Council hired former Saco Deputy Fire Chief Edward Dube as the town’s new fire chief, effective Aug. 15.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].