On Monday, June 15, 2026 at approximately 12:15 pm., the Fort Kent Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at a multi-unit apartment building located at 42 East Main Street.  Upon arrival, the firefighters made entry and located a single adult female inside the first-floor apartment.  Lifesaving efforts were provided with no success.

The deceased is tentatively identified as Ruth Charles, 56, of Fort Kent.  Charles was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy and positive identification will take place.  State Fire Marshal Investigators determined the fire originated in the bedroom of the apartment where Charles lived and is accidental in nature.  Two competing accidental causes cannot be ruled out (electrical/candle).  Charles lived in the apartment alone according to Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, Maine Department of Pubic Safety, Augusta.

Two other tenants were displaced temporarily.