FORT FAIRFIELD JOURNAL

Updated November 14, 2026

October 30, 2026 - at approximately 2:38 p.m., the Belfast Fire Department responded to a reported mobile home fire at 142 Back Searsport Road in Belfast. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions involving the mobile home. During fire suppression operations, they discovered a deceased individual inside the residence and requested assistance from the Maine Office of the State Fire Marshal. A team of State Fire Marshal investigators responded to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators examined the scene and recovered the deceased individual from the debris. Investigators have narrowed the area of origin to a rear porch that contained a laundry area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The deceased individual was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an examination will be conducted to confirm the individual’s identity and determine the cause of death. Two dogs also perished in the fire.

October 31, 2026 - at approximately 10:13 p.m., the West Bath Fire Department responded to 15 Abby Lane in West Bath for a reported outbuilding fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found two small outbuildings fully involved in fire. Fire investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal were requested to respond to the scene to assist local fire officials in determining the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation determined that the fire was accidental and most likely originated in the area of a portable generator supplying electricity to one of the outbuildings. Investigators learned that the generator had been enclosed in a makeshift wooden box and covered with a moving blanket to reduce noise because of the proximity of neighboring residences. At the time of the fire, the generator was operating and supplying power for lighting while a resident and a friend were working on a vehicle inside the outbuilding. The individuals reported that the generator suddenly shut down. Upon investigating, they discovered a fire near the generator. Based on witness statements and evidence collected at the scene, investigators determined that the generator and its makeshift enclosure were the most likely source of the fire.

November 1, 2026 – A Connecticut man faces multiple charges, including Operating Under the Influence, after leading State Police on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash early in the morning. The operator of the vehicle, Stuart John McClure, 32, of New London, was taken into custody near the crash scene. McClure is charged with Operating Under the Influence, Eluding, Aggravated Driving to Endanger, and Criminal Speed. At approximately 12:30 a.m., a State Trooper observed a 2015 Jeep Cherokee speeding and operating erratically on Route 302 in Bridgton. The trooper conducted a traffic stop. After initially stopping, McClure accelerated away from the trooper at a high rate of speed. The trooper, suspecting the driver may be impaired, pursued the Jeep for several miles before McClure crashed as he entered the causeway in Naples. The Jeep struck the awning and porch support beams at Rick’s Café. McClure fled on foot but was found hiding in shrubbery along the causeway shoreline. McClure was transported by Ambulance to Maine Medical Center, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Bridgton Police Department assisted Maine State Police.

November 10, 2026 - at approximately 10:53 A.M, the Newburgh Fire Department was requested to 2628 Western Avenue in Newburgh in response to a report of a residential building fire. Upon arrival, fire personnel located the fire and quickly suppressed it. State Fire Marshal's Office Investigators were called to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators determined the fire was accidental, originated under the residence, and was caused by an electrical failure. The fire caused significant damage to the residence. The home is insured, and no one was injured.