According to Maine Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland, 21-year-old Devin Doucette was attempting to get rid of ants in the basement of the family’s 19 Harmon St. home Saturday. One of the matches ignited near combustibles and the fire spread quickly to the rest of the house, according to McCausland.
The community has rallied in support of the Doucette family, whose youngest child attends Old Orchard Beach High School.
Parents Maurice and Barbara are well-known in town for their community service. An online fundraising page surpassed its $10,000 goal in less than 24 hours.
Friends of the Doucettes say a family cat that ran off during the fire is still missing.
The cat’s name is Olivia and is described as a Snowshoe cat with Siamese-like markings and triple paws in front. Olivia is said to be skittish and easily startled.
The family is asking people in the halfway section of town to be on the lookout for Olivia. Anyone with information on her should call Barbara at 518-3008 or 934-4304.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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