On Monday, January 19, 2026, at approximately 9:44 pm., the Knox County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting an explosion followed by a fire at a single-family residence located at 36 N. Harbor Cemetery Lane in Friendship according to Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, Maine Department of Public Safety, Augusta.

The Friendshop Fire Department responded to the scene along with several neighborhing fire departments.  Upon arrival, firefighters located an adult female outside the residence who was identified as an occupant of the home.  The individual had sustained substantial, life-threatening injuries.  She was treated on scene by Waldoboro Rescue and subsequentlly transported by LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshall responded to the scene.  Evidence at the scene indicated that a small explosion had occurred.  The investigation revealed that the residene did not have electrical service and generators were being used to supply power.  The home was also being heated by a fireplace.  Propane gas was being used for cooking purposes, and several propane cylinders of varying sizes were located in and around the residence.

The invetigation remains ongoing.  The incident is not considered suspicious at this time.  Additional information will be releaseld as it comes available.