Man Severely Burned in Augusta House Fire

Investigators believe the blaze started near a chimney cleanout door.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A man suffered life-threatening injuries after a fire broke out Thursday afternoon in the basement of a home on Riverside Drive in Augusta, Maine. Firefighters found the severely burned man outside the home and he was transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to a burn center in Portland for treatment.

Why it matters

House fires can be devastating, causing injury, loss of property, and even death. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety and the need for thorough investigations to determine the cause and prevent similar accidents in the future.

The details

According to authorities, the fire started around 2:03 p.m. near a chimney cleanout door in the basement of the Riverside Drive home. Investigators believe a flammable liquid ignited, leading to the blaze. The man with severe burns was found outside the home by firefighters when they arrived on the scene.

  • The fire broke out around 2:03 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • The injured man was transported to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta before being flown to Maine Medical Center in Portland for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

The players

Maine Department of Public Safety

The state agency responsible for public safety, including fire investigations.

Shannon Moss

A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

MaineGeneral Medical Center

The hospital in Augusta, Maine where the injured man was first transported.

Maine Medical Center

The burn center in Portland, Maine where the injured man was airlifted for further treatment.

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What’s next

Investigators will continue to examine the scene and determine the exact cause of the fire.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of fire safety and the need for prompt emergency response to minimize harm when accidents do occur. The investigation will help identify any potential hazards or preventative measures that could improve home fire safety in the future.