Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Patten Fire That Destroyed Outback Garage, Displaced Eight Tenants

December 17, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

PATTEN, Maine — The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an early-morning commercial building fire in Patten that destroyed the Outback Garage and damaged a nearby apartment building, displacing eight tenants.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 4:37 a.m., the Patten Fire Department responded to a commercial building fire at 6 Main Street in Patten. When firefighters arrived, the building — identified as the Outback Garage — was fully involved.

Officials said two tenants who lived in an apartment above the garage were able to escape safely. The Outback Garage building is considered a total loss.

The fire also spread to a nearby apartment building, causing significant damage and displacing eight tenants, according to the release.

Investigators determined the fire originated toward the rear of the garage. Officials said the use of an excavator hindered investigators’ ability to determine the cause of the fire. A woodstove cannot be ruled out as a possible cause.

The Patten Fire Department was assisted by Island Falls Fire Department, Oakfield Fire Department, Sherman Fire Department, Stacyville Fire Department, Mt. Chase Fire Department, Medway Fire Department, Houlton Fire Department, Island Falls Ambulance, and Patten Ambulance.

Credit: Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office