Maine Teen Linked to Arson; Another Teen Severely Burned in Cooking Oil Fire

An 18‑year‑old Belfast resident, Christopher Gordon, was arrested and charged with arson after investigators determined a basement fire at 53 City Point Road on Wednesday night was intentionally set. The blaze caused only minor damage, no injuries, and no harm to pets. Gordon, already on conditions of release for an unrelated case, was held without bail pending his court appearance.

A separate incident on July 28 involved a 16‑year‑old girl who suffered severe burns covering about 30% of her body after a pot of cooking oil ignited in a Searsport home at 33 Prospect Street. The fire was classified as accidental and caused only minor property damage. The teenager was treated at Waldo County General Hospital and later transferred to Maine Medical Center for specialized care. State fire officials reminded residents about proper safety measures for grease fires.