Fatal House Fire Under Investigation in Harpswell; Victim Tentatively Identified

October 14, 2025

HARPSWELL, Maine — The Office of State Fire Marshal is investigating a fatal fire at 1501 Harpswell Neck Road that occurred early this morning.

At approximately 4:28 a.m., the Fire Marshal’s Office was requested after Harpswell Fire Department crews responded to a single-family home for a reported fire. Firefighters conducted suppression operations and located one individual inside. The person was removed and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The deceased has been tentatively identified as Hugh MacFarlane, 78, of Harpswell. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

The fire caused significant damage to the home, particularly on the second floor. The cause remains under investigation.

Assisting at the scene were the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Harpswell Neck Fire Department, West Bath Fire Department, Orr’s Island Fire Department, Bailey Island Fire Department, Cundy’s Harbor Fire Department, Brunswick Fire Department, and Harpswell Rescue.