RIPLEY — The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a home at 60 Stream Road Monday morning, according to Dexter Fire Chief Matthew Connor.

No one was home at the time of the fire, but the resident saw smoke as he was returning from registering his truck in town, Connor said. He reported the fire at 10:32 a.m.

Stephanie Lizotte, daughter of owners Robert and Joan Archambault, said her parents lost everything in the fire, including a dog and a cat, but the residence was insured.

The cause and origin of the fire remain unknown and are being investigated by the state fire marshal, who did not immediately return a call seeking information.

Firefighters, along with the homeowner, saved from the fire four dogs that appeared to be dachshunds, Connor said. They were in kennels outside of the home, and firefighters could hear them while battling the flames.

“It was getting hot in there, but they all survived,” Connor said.

Connor was concerned about the wind, as the flames could have easily spread to nearby woods.

“I’m glad it wasn’t a windier day, or we would’ve had a serious woods fire on our hands,” he said.

Seven fire departments from three counties responded to the scene, including St. Albans, Harmony, Dover, Sangerville, Corinna, Garland and Dexter.

Firefighters knocked down the bulk of the flames by noon and cleared the scene at about 2 p.m.

Madeline St. Amour — 861-9239

mstamour@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @madelinestamour

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