The Office of State Fire Marshall is investigating a fatal fire that occurred early this morning, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 1501 Harpswell Neck Road in Harpswell.

At approximately 4:28 am., the Office was requested to respond after Harpswell Fire Department crews were called to a fire at a single-family home.  Firefighters engaged in fire suppression efforts and loated one individual inside the residence.  The person was removed from the bulding and pronouned deceased at the scene.  The deceased has been tentatively identified as Hugh MacFarlane, 78, of Harpswell.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an examination to determine the cause and manner of death.  The fire caused significant damage to the house, particularly on the second floor.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation according to Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, for the Maine Department of Public Safety, Augusta.