Update, April 3, 2024:

ST GEORGE — The Fire Marshal’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal house fire in St. George, March 27, 2024, as Andrew Bowser, 62. Bowser, who lived alone, had been renting the property at 272 Clark Island Road prior to the fire that brought many firefighters to the scene, as well as deputies from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and an investigator from the FMO.

In a news release, Wednesday, April 3, the FMO provided one line referencing a determination of the fire’s origin.

“The investigation determined that Bowser was responsible for causing the fire,” said the release.

No other information was provided.

ST GEORGE — The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office, with the help of Knox County Sheriff’s Office and St. George Fire Department, are investigating a house fire, Wednesday, March 27.

A neighbor of 272 Clark Island Road attempted to enter the residence just before 8 a.m., after people in the area began seeing smoke within the 1-story rental, but the particular neighbor couldn’t manage more than about 10 feet before turning back due to the intense heat, according to Fire Chief Michael Smith.

Arriving firefighters were able to locate the single occupant, who lived alone inside the structure. Firefighters and EMS personnel then worked hard to revive the occupant, yet were unable to do so. 

The fire is believed to have started in the front corner room adjacent to Second Street, a small drive that connects to Clark Island Road next to the residence. 

South Thomaston, Thomaston, Owls Head, Cushing, and Warren Fire Departments assisted on scene, and water supply came from a fire pond at the intersection of Routes 73 and 131. 

The final stretch of Clark Island Road was closed, preventing some neighbors from going about their day. 

According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the deceased will be transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where an autopsy will be performed. The identification of the deceased will not be released until next of kin has been notified. 

This is the second fire fatality of 2024.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com