AUGUSTA — On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at approximately 3:35 pm,  the Searsport Fire Department responded to a reported fire at the RSU 20 bus garage in Searsport, according to a Dec. 21, media release from Maine State Police and the Maine State Fire Marshal.

The first arriving fire unit reported smoke showing from the structure, a sagging roof on the right portion of the building, and heavy fire conditions inside the front door on the right-hand side.

The building was destroyed as a result of the fire.

State Fire Marshal investigators responded to the scene and conducted an examination of the fire area. Investigators determined the fire originated in the area of the right rear portion of the building, where a pickup truck and a school bus were parked.

Fire investigators returned to the scene Monday to conduct follow-up interviews with bus mechanics as part of the ongoing effort to determine the cause of the fire.

According to a social media post from the Searsport Fire Department:

"Mutual aid was requested from Belfast Fire, Stockton Springs Fire Department, and West Frankfort Fire Department for manpower, Bucksport Fire was requested for their ladder.

"Due to the structural compromise all crews worked in defensive mode. Shortly after 1800hrs the fire was under control. One school bus and one in-service pickup truck were in the building at the time along with two other vehicles that were undergoing long-term repairs, all were lost."

"The Maine Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the fire and at this time no cause has been established."

Interim Fire Chief Koch wrote that he would "like to thank the RSU 20 bus drivers who arrived to move busses away from the building and left one running for us to use as a place to warm up and grab some food. The deli crew at Edward's in Searsport for making pizza for us at the last minute. Along with Searsport Police Department and Maine State Police for assisting with traffic control."  

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.