Firefighter and Homeowner Sent to Hospital in Structure Fire Which Destroyed Two Buildings on Main Street in Van Buren

December 6, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

VAN BUREN, Maine — A late-night structure fire on Main Street destroyed two buildings and sent a firefighter and a homeowner to the hospital on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

At approximately 11:23 p.m., the Van Buren Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 58 Main Street. According to the report, the owner of 58 Main Street discovered the fire after hearing crackling sounds and finding a fire involving his pellet stove.

The owner attempted to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher, but the fire continued to spread. When fire crews arrived, they encountered heavy fire conditions at the property.

Due to the close proximity of neighboring structures and the risk of further spread, the department used an excavator to perform an emergency demolition of the building while firefighting operations were underway. The fire resulted in the complete loss of 58 Main Street and the adjacent structure at 56 Main Street. The building at 56 Main Street was unoccupied.

During the response, one firefighter was injured after slipping on ice. The owner of 58 Main Street sustained smoke inhalation. Both were transported to Cary Medical Center in Caribou.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, officials report that the cause likely involves the pellet stove.

Credit: Van Buren Fire Department