Two Arrested in Connection With Augusta House Fire

December 23, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

AUGUSTA, Maine — Two men have been arrested in connection with a house fire in Augusta that investigators say was intentionally set, according to the Office of State Fire Marshal.

The Office of State Fire Marshal said investigators arrested 27-year-old Samuel Howard of Pittston and 32-year-old Trevor Shorette of Augusta in connection with a fire that occurred on November 15, 2025.

According to the release, at 5:16 a.m. on November 15, 2025, the Augusta Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a house fire at 16 Lilac Lane in Augusta. The Augusta Fire Department and the Augusta Police Department responded. Officials said the home was occupied by several residents at the time of the fire, and the residents were awakened by a neighbor. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured, according to the release.

Due to circumstances at the scene, Augusta Police requested assistance from the Office of State Fire Marshal. Investigators responded, processed the scene, and determined the fire was intentionally set, officials said.

On November 18, 2025, investigators arrested Howard and charged him with Arson (Class A) and Violating Conditions of Release (Class E). The release stated that at the time of the offense, Howard was on five sets of bail conditions. He is being held at the Kennebec County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

Investigators said that through continued investigation, they requested an arrest warrant be issued for Shorette. On December 23, 2025, investigators arrested Shorette on the warrant and charged him with Arson (Class A) and Violating Conditions of Release (Class E). Officials said that at the time of the offense, Shorette was on two sets of bail conditions. He is being held at the Kennebec County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office by phone or through the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-870-6162.

Credit: Office of State Fire Marshal

Kennebec County • Kennebec County • Crime