Teens Charged as Officials Investigate Multiple Fires in Maine

Authorities say two teenagers are in big trouble after being accused of intentionally setting a string of fires across Maine. WGME reported that investigators believe a total of seven fires were started on purpose between November of last year and March of this year.

The case is still under investigation, but officials say the arrests mark a big step forward in figuring out who’s behind these dangerous incidents.

The following is a list of recent fired being investigated by Maine officials, according to WGME 13.

• Elan School, Poland, a vacant building, on 1/17/2024
• 508 West Main Street, Yarmouth, building materials), on 11/17/2024
• 508 West Main Street, Yarmouth, a vacant home under construction, on 01/02/2025
• Elan School, Poland, a vacant building, on 03/01/2025
• 14 Madeleine Point Road, Yarmouth, a vacant home, on 03/01/2025
• Elan School, Poland, vacant building, on 03/07/2025
• Princes Point Rd & Lafayette St., Yarmouth, a U.S. Forest Service sign, on 03/19/2025.

The news station explained that James Akers of Portland was picked up on March 20th and charged for a fire on March 19th that damaged a U.S. Forest Service sign in Yarmouth.

Jacob Kaiser was arrested this week and charged in connection with a March 1st fire on Madeleine Point Road in Yarmouth that destroyed a single-family home, WGME said.

Investigators believe the two are linked to at least seven fires set between November and March. The case is still unfolding, but police say these arrests are a big break in the investigation.

Both teens were booked at the Cumberland County Jail and have since been released on bail. Investigators say two 17-year-olds are also expected to face charges in connection with the fires, WGME reported.

Right now, Akers and Kaiser are each facing charges for just one fire, but police say there’s evidence linking them to others. More charges could be on the way as the investigation continues.