ALFRED — The sentencing for the former Old Orchard Beach fire chief who pleaded guilty to an arson charge has been rescheduled to March.

The sentencing for Ricky Plummer, 61, of Biddeford, is scheduled to be sentenced at 1 p.m. on March 14 at York County Superior Court. He was previously scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9.

Plummer admitted in October at York County Superior Court that he was guilty of starting a fire that spread over more than 40 acres of marsh grass and woods north of Walnut Street in Old Orchard Beach on April 15, 2016, while he was the town’s fire chief.

Surveillance footage from a nearby hotel showed Plummer and his work vehicle near the area of the fire’s origin on April 15 shortly before the fire was reported.

He was charged with arson on May 7, 2016.

Plummer was interviewed by Maine Forest Ranger Matthew Bennett on the day of his arrest. Plummer told Bennett he had walked out into the woods and marsh area on April 15 to get some “peace” and smoke a cigarette he had taken from his wife, according to an affidavit by Bennett.

Plummer told Bennett he threw used matches on the ground, and then threw the cigarette in the area of chest-high cattails. Plummer told the forest ranger he walked out of the marsh and woods area, unaware that a fire had started.

He told Bennett he was not a frequent smoker, and no one would be able to verify this habit. No cigarette butts or smoking material were found at the origin of the fire, according to Bennett.

Plummer was put on administration leave after his arrest and resigned from the position May 15, 2016.

As part of his bail conditions Plummer is not allowed to set foot in Old Orchard Beach. 

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