Presque Isle Man Charged With Arson in House Fire [UPDATED]

A Presque Isle man has been charged with arson in connection with a fire Sunday that left a family homeless.

The State Fire Marshal's Office says a tenant was charged with setting the blaze that gutted the rental home on Phair Street. Twenty-six-year-old Chad Hamilton appeared in Presque Isle District Court on Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 23. Hamilton had previous charges in 2012 related to three wildfires in the Presque Isle area.

The family was on the way to a birthday party Sunday afternoon when neighbors called to tell them the house was on fire. The Presque Isle Fire department called the blaze "suspicious."

The local chapter of the Red Cross is putting the family up in a hotel until Wednesday.   After that time, they are in need of accommodations, according to Nicole Goodblood. The family members who were displaced by the fire include 2 adults, a 17-year-old boy, a 5-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy.

Donations of clothing and other necessities may to be dropped off at:

Wings for Children & Families

c/o Nicole Mills

93 State Street

Presque Isle, ME 04769

Aroostook Savings & Loan will also accept donations to help the family.  Please make your check out to the 'Goodblood Fire Fund'