Burned body, car found near Nicatous Lake Police say fire not accidental

Investigators on Tuesday were examining the remains of a car and a body burned beyond recognition that were found on a dirt road near Nicatous Lake in an isolated part of northern Hancock County.

Sgt. Stu Jacobs, fire investigator supervisor for the State Fire Marshal’s Office, said the four-door Lexus, which Jacobs described as “burned to the rims,” was found Tuesday morning on Route 188, nine miles from the Burlington Store. He said investigators determined that the car fire was not the result of an accident.

He said people working in the woods nearby had seen smoke and discovered the burning car.

The body of a man was found on the ground a few feet from the driver’s side of the vehicle. Fire from the vehicle spread a few feet into nearby woods, according to Jacobs.

The Maine Forest Service and a local fire department aided in suppression of the fire, which was small and was rapidly controlled.

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Maine State Police Criminal Investigation Division were trying to determine what caused the fire.

Investigators were trying to find a witness they believe saw the man driving the car in the area as well as the owner of the vehicle, which is believed to be registered out of state.

The victim’s body was taken to the medical examiner’s office in Augusta.