On Saturday, December 6, 2025, at approximaely 11:23 pm. the Van Buren Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 58 Main Street.  The owner of 58 Main Street discovered the fire after hearing crackling sounds and discovering a fire involving his pellet stove.

The owner attempted to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguished.  However, the fire continued to spread.  Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy fire conditions.  Due to the proximity of neighborhing structures and the risk of further spread, the department utilized an excavator to perform an emergency demolition of the building while firefigting operations continued.  The fire resulted in the complete loss of 58 Main Street and the adjacent structure at 58 Main Street.  56 Main Street was an occupied building.  One firefighter sustained injuries after slipping on ice during the response.  The owner of 58 Main Street sustained smoke inhlation.  Both the firefigher and owner of 58 Main Street were transported to Cary Medical Center in Caribou.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  The cause likely involved the pellet stove.