Fire at Former Caribou Business Called Suspicious [VIDEO]

The cause of a fire that destroyed a vacant building on 111 Water Street in Caribou late Sunday afternoon remains under investigation. 

The Caribou Fire Department responded to the blaze shortly before 5:00 p.m. at a building that once housed the Caribou Surplus Store, according to Capt. Mike McCarthy. The building is currently owned by the City of Caribou.

Shortly after arrival, firefighters deemed it to be unsafe to enter the abandoned two-story building, McCarthy said.  Crews focused their efforts on protecting nearby homes and keeping the wind-whipped flames under control.

Twenty-one firefighters worked through the evening hours to keep the blaze contained. The Presque Isle Fire Department provided mutual aid and the Department of Environmental Protection was also called to the site.

The building was completely destroyed. Crews remained at the building to mop up until after 10:00 p.m. Sunday.

Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the fire but have deemed it to be suspicious. If you have any information about this fire, please contact the State Fire Marshal's Office or the Caribou Police Department