Multi-Alarm Structure Fire Destroys Home on Justin Merrill Road

January 24, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media

Buxton, Maine

A two-story residence on Justin Merrill Road in Buxton was destroyed Saturday afternoon following a multi-alarm structure fire that required a large, sustained response from local and mutual aid fire departments, officials said.

Key Points

• Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026

• Time of Initial Call: 12:53 p.m.

• Location: 28 Justin Merrill Road, Buxton, Maine

• Incident Type: Multi-alarm residential structure fire

• Outcome: Residence declared a total loss

• Injuries: None reported

• Investigation: Fire Marshal’s Office investigating cause

Incident Overview

According to Buxton Fire-Rescue, Buxton Communications received a transferred 911 call from Scarborough Communications Center reporting a structure fire at a two-story residence on Justin Merrill Road. The initial responding officer arrived within minutes and reported fire showing from multiple windows, prompting an “All Hands” response.

Emergency Response and Timeline

Fire officials said Ladder 414 arrived approximately seven minutes after dispatch and reported a two-story farmhouse with heavy fire conditions on the first floor. A second alarm was ordered shortly after arrival, and command was later assumed by Chief Nathan Schools.

Crews initiated an interior fire attack on the first floor and encountered heavy fire conditions, fire extension to the second floor, and exploding ammunition in a first-floor apartment, according to fire officials. Handlines were deployed to both floors to continue suppression efforts. The building owner confirmed there were no occupants inside the residence at the time of the fire.

Fire Conditions and Operations

Officials said the fire extended into the attic and an attached ell on the Charlie side of the structure. Due to balloon-frame construction, strong winds, and extreme cold temperatures of approximately 9 degrees, a third alarm was requested. Fire officials said the additional alarm allowed for staffing support, crew rotation for rest and warming, and injury risk reduction.

Buxton Fire-Rescue reported the fire required several hours to bring under control and ultimately resulted in a total loss of the residence.

Water Supply and Resources

Buxton Fire-Rescue noted the town does not have pressurized fire hydrants. Rural water supply operations were established, including a supply line laid at the intersection of Narragansett Trail (Route 202) and Justin Merrill Road. Additional water was drafted from a dry hydrant on Atkinson Road, supported by 10 tanker trucks shuttling water to the scene.

In total, officials reported the response included:

• Seven pumpers

• Ten tankers

• Four ladder trucks

• Two ambulances

• One Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

All units cleared the scene by approximately 6:41 p.m.

Investigation Status

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office, according to Buxton Fire-Rescue.

Credit: Buxton Fire-Rescue