AUGUSTA — A fire that damaged a North Belfast Avenue garage Saturday was intentionally set, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Fire marshals and Augusta Police are investigating the Saturday night fire.

Fire Chief Roger Audette said the fire marshal’s office was contacted because the fire’s origin was suspicious.

Sgt. Ken Grimes of the fire marshal’s office said an exterior window was broken, and the fire originated inside the garage.

“We allege some flaming material was tossed inside,” Grimes said.

Nobody was home at the time of the 7:25 p.m. fire at 2552 North Belfast Ave., and no injuries were reported while fighting the fire.

“Somebody passing by on Route 3 saw flames shooting out of a window and called it in,” Audette said. “Firefighters arrived and there was a small fire in the garage. It was extinguished in 20 minutes.”

Fire marshal’s office investigators responded to the fire scene that night and the investigation is ongoing.

Grimes said anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area, such as glass breaking, should call the fire marshal’s office or Augusta Police.

The approximately 1,000 square foot garage was part of a residential property but not attached to the home. The property is owned by Thomas Flynn.

Audette said the fire was contained to the garage and damage totaled only about $2,000.

Augusta firefighters received mutual aid from Vassalboro and China firefighters, who provided tanker trucks to bring water to the scene.

Audette said firefighters were on the scene for about one and a half hours.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com

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