Fireman charged in arson of own home

FORT FAIRFIELD – State fire officials said Friday that a volunteer with the Fort Fairfield Fire Department has been charged with arson stemming from a July 7 fire at his home.

Sgt. Stu Jacobs of the State Fire Marshal’s Office said Andy Rasmussen, 26, of Fort Fairfield was taken into custody by investigators on Thursday, and then released on $20,000 surety bail. He will appear in District Court in Presque Isle on Sept. 22.

Rasmussen has resigned from the department as a result of the charges, according to Fort Fairfield Chief Paul Durepo.

The investigation started after Rasmussen reported a fire at his home at 3 Green Ridge Road. Fort Fairfield firefighters responded shortly after 7 a.m. July 7.

According to Durepo, the home received extensive smoke and fire damage. Rasmussen was the sole occupant.

Jacobs, who has been working on the case with lead investigator Tim Lowell, said that the blaze originated in the basement.

“We determined that the fire started as a result of intentional human element,” Jacobs said Friday.

Jacobs could not comment on details. He said he expects that a report on the incident will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for grand jury review.

Durepo said Friday that Rasmussen, who had been a volunteer with the department for 10 years, joined as a junior firefighter at age 16. He held the rank of lieutenant until his resignation, according to the chief.

Rasmussen could not be reached for comment Friday.

Arson is a Class A crime, punishable by a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.