Woman Arrested After Alleged Arson Fire in Presque Isle

Presque Isle police have arrested a 27-year-old woman after a fire Monday night at a single-story home on the Fort Fairfield Road.

The fire was reported at 10:28 p.m. and the Presque Isle Fire Department arrived on the scene within four minutes, according to Fire Chief Darrell White. Firefighters had the blaze knocked down in under 20 minutes and remained at the house until shortly after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. There was extensive damage to the home, primarily to the back bedroom, White said.

Investigator Scott Richardson of the State Fire Marshal’s Office said the suspect had entered the home at 164 Fort Fairfield Road and set fires in two separate places. Richardson commended firefighters for their quick action in saving the structure.

PIPD arrested Lacey Wardwell of Presque Isle on an outstanding warrant early Tuesday and she remains in custody. Other charges in connection with the alleged arson are expected to be filed following a review by the District Attorney’s Office.

Eighteen members of the Presque Isle Fire Department responded to the blaze with 2 engines and 2 tankers.

There were no injuries reported. The State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the case.