Southern Maine Man Exterminating Ants Burns Down Home; Two Cats & Dog Die

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a man attempting to exterminate ants in his basement Saturday started a fire that destroyed his home in Old Orchard Beach. 

Investigators say 21-year-old Devon Doucette was attempting to get rid of ants in the basement by incinerating them with wooden matches. One of those matches ignited nearby combustibles and the fire quickly spread to the rest of the house, said officials.

Doucette was treated and released for smoke inhalation and burns to his hands and arms after he carried some of the burning items out of the house, officials said. The one story home on Harmon street was destroyed. The house is owned by his parents, Maurice and Barbara Doucette, who were not at home at the time.

Killed in the fire were the family’s two cats and a dog. Fire investigators say no charges are likely.