Officials: Arson To Blame For Fire, Explosion That Gutted Hermon Home

After almost a month of investigations, authorities now believe someone may have intentionally set the fire that damaged a home in Hermon last month.

According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, both the Hermon Fire Department and the Penobscot County Sheriff's Department responded to the home at 376 Blackstream Road after the initial fire call came in just after 6:15 PM on December 16.

"The Maine Fire Marshal’s office was contacted, and investigators responded to the scene. At this point, investigators have determined that the fire was an Arson. Investigators are asking to speak to anyone who may have information about this fire.  Anyone who has information can call the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office Arson Tip Line at 1-888-870-6162."

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At one point, neighbors reported hearing explosions. Hermon Fire Captain Chandler Corriveau told WABI-TV that when crews arrived, the home's propane tank was venting and then exploded.  The tank was located in the back area of the property. Thankfully no one was injured during the time of the explosion. It was later determined that the structure was a total loss. There was no one home at the time of the fire and no pets on the premises.

Multiple agencies responded to assist Hermon Fire and the Sheriff's Department, fighting the fire that evening,  including Fire Departments from Levant, Newburgh, Hampden, Glenburn, Carmel, Etna, Newport, and Bangor. They were also aided by the Maine Air Guard Fire Department.