Update May 14: An investigation into the cause of a fire in Camden that started in a garage, May 9, has focused on an area of the garage where the homeowner had some batteries plugged in to charge.

The investigation has not been determined a more specific origin. However, "at this point nothing points to this being anything other than an accidental fire," said the Fire Marshal's Office, via the Maine Dept. of Public Safety. 

Garage and vehicle burned, house saved in afternoon Camden fire

CAMDEN (May 9, 2026) — A vehicle is burned and a garage is destroyed, yet an adjacent house remains standing following a house fire on Park Street, Saturday afternoon.

Within a couple of minutes of the approximate 1:45 p.m., May 9, 2026, call to Knox Regional Communications Center, a North East Mobile Health ambulance arrived at 15 Park Street from the nearby fire station. The crew reportedly encountered heavy smoke and visible flames from the one-story structure. Three occupants had been inside the home when smoke and flames were noticed, and were able to evacuate on their own.

A partnership between Camden Fire Department and North East Mobile Health allows a NEMH ambulance and EMS crew to be housed at the fire station. The partnership also allows for an EMS provider and a Camden FD firefighter with EMS license to team up on that ambulance. So, while other firefighters are running for their turnout gear, jumping into their boots, grabbing their assigned equipment, the ambulance crew grabs their jackets and hits the road. Both crew members could view the scene through their various trainings, their specialties. 

For the 15 Park Street call, a NEMH paramedic and a Camden firefighter/EMT happened to be teamed for the shift. Shortly after they  arrived on scene, a Per Diem Camden EMS responder arrived and took the place of the ambulance’s firefighter, allowing the firefighter to help with extinguishing the flames.

Precipitation in the form of sprinkles began at approximately 2:30 p.m., and by 3 p.m., a heavier, consistent rain saturated the scene as firefighters from Camden, Rockport, Hope, and Lincolnville worked to first contain the flames in the garage, prevent spread to the house and exterior propane tanks, and then to ventilate and suppress sparks. 

The fire started in the garage, according to Fire Chief Chris Farley, and smoke and heat damage spread throughout the rest of the house. The Red Cross is helping the occupants with temporary housing. 

Camden firefighters returned to their station at approximately 4 p.m.

The Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com