Fire Marshal Investigating Fatal House Fire in Dexter

January 23, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media

Dexter, Maine

The Maine Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a fatal structure fire that occurred Friday evening at a home on Grove Street in Dexter.

According to information released by fire officials, at approximately 5:29 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Dexter Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 62 Grove Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story, single-family residence heavily involved in fire.

Fire crews were advised that one occupant had escaped the fire, but a second person was still inside the home and unaccounted for. While suppressing the fire, firefighters located a deceased adult male on the second floor of the residence.

Due to the fatality, the Dexter Fire Department requested assistance from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. A team of fire marshal investigators responded and conducted an origin and cause investigation. Investigators have made a preliminary determination that the fire originated in the kitchen and appears to be cooking-related.

The investigation remains ongoing as investigators continue to examine the scene and interview witnesses in the coming days. The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where formal identification will be made.

The Dexter Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Dover-Foxcroft, Corinna, Newport, Sangerville, and Garland Fire Departments.

Credit: Office of the State Fire Marshal