FMO: Electrical Malfunction Linked to Generator Restart in Brunswick House Fire

December 25, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

BRUNSWICK, Maine — Fire investigators say an electrical malfunction involving a fan unit, likely associated with a power surge when a portable generator was restarted, is believed to have caused a structure fire Thursday afternoon at a home on Bridge Road in Brunswick.

Just after 3:00 p.m. on December 25, 2025, the Brunswick Fire Department was dispatched to 36 Bridge Road for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke coming from the roof area and the rear eaves of the residence.

Firefighters made entry and located fire on the second floor. The heaviest fire involvement was found in the ceiling area above an industrial-style fan. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, preventing extensive damage to the residence, according to the release.

The Brunswick Fire Department requested assistance from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO). Fire investigators responded to the scene and met with the homeowner and her son.

Investigators were told the area had experienced a power outage for several hours and the residence was operating on a portable generator. After the generator shut down, the homeowner’s son restarted it, and heavy smoke was then observed coming from the eaves. The generator was immediately shut down and unplugged.

After entering the residence, the homeowner’s son called 911 and then encountered heavy smoke descending the stairway, according to the release. He evacuated his mother and all animals from the home.

Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the attic area. The cause is believed to be an electrical malfunction involving the fan unit, likely associated with a power surge when the generator was restarted. The heaviest fire damage was located in the attic, and fire debris fell into the second-floor area below.

No injuries were reported.

Credit: Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office

Cumberland County • Cumberland County • Fire