On Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:30 am., Investigators from the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office arrested a juvenile male for arson in connectdion with the two fires that occurred on Park Street in Fort Fairfleld on March 10, 2026.  Working with the Juvemo;e Community Conrections Officer, the juvenile was placed on conditions of relese and released to his guardians.  This investigation is still ongoing and additional charges are still pending according to a press release issued Saturday, March 14, 2026.

By way ot background, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:15 pm., Fort Fairfield Fire Rescue was called to a structure fire in the area of the park and ride on Park Street in Fort Fairfield.  Responding crews were able to determine there was smoke coming from the old Public Works garage at 61 Park Street.  The Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to respond to assist with an origin and cause investigation.  A team of FMO Investigators responded to begin an investigation.  With the assistance of the Fort Fairfield Police Department Investigators, it was determined that there had been another fire set in an unoccupied home a short time before the fire at 61 Park Street.

The second fire was located at 9 Park Street.  Both fires were determined to be incendiary in nature and are considered arson.  Leo Rideout Jr., 19, of Fort Fairfield was arrested and charged with arson.  He was transpoted to the Aroostook County Jail.  The investigation is on going and additional arrests may follow according to a press release issued by Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, for the Maine Deprtment of Public Safety, Augusta.