PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A local man has been charged in connection with a fire Sunday at a residence on Skyway Street.
An investigation conducted by the Presque Isle Police Department and the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office led to Travis MacDonald, 27, of Presque Isle, being charged with arson for a fire at 290 Skyway St. that was reported around 9 p.m. June 1.
“At approximately 9 p.m. Sunday, the Presque Isle Fire Department received a call for a structure fire at 290 Skyway St. in a duplex. The crew on duty arrived and found fire on the outside of the building, as well as in one of the bedrooms. They made a quick attack on the fire and were able to knock it down and confine it to the one side of the duplex,” said Deputy Chief Richard Wark, of the PIFD.
Wark said there was one occupant home in the side that caught fire. She was able to escape after neighbors notified her the structure was on fire.
“The building is owned by Geary Bonville and the occupant had been renting from Mr. Bonville. The American Red Cross was notified and made contact with the occupant to offer assistance,” said Wark.
PIFD had 19 members respond to the call, with assistance from Crown Ambulance and Emera Maine.
“Crews were on scene until 11 p.m. checking for extension and conducting salvage and overhaul operations. There were no injuries,” said Wark, who noted the fire was deemed suspicious, with the department notifying the PIPD and Fire Marshal’s Office.
Crews were able to contain the fire but significant damage was reported to one unit of the duplex.
MacDonald is being held without bail at the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Caribou Superior Court on Wednesday, June 4.
