Atkinson house fire deemed undetermined, local teens hailed as heroes

ATKINSON — A devastating fire consumed an 1800s farmhouse with an attached barn at 110 North Stagecoach Road early on New Year’s Day, prompting an investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Emergency crews who responded to the scene at approximately 1:44 a.m. found the structure fully engulfed in flames.

Despite their efforts, the building was a total loss.

The Fire Marshal’s Office, tasked with determining the fire’s origin and cause, has classified the incident as undetermined due to the extensive damage.

However, accidental electrical causes have not been ruled out as potential factors contributing to the blaze.

Amid the calamity, three local teenage boys are being recognized for their quick thinking and bravery.

The youths discovered the fire and assisted the homeowners in escaping from the inferno.

State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler lauded their actions, stating, “Had they not been in the right place at the right time, this could have been a much more tragic fire event.”

The Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate and collect information on the incident.