BELFAST— A Belfast man was charged wirth arson following a basement fire July 29, according to a media report from the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office: 

At approximately 8:10 p.m., the Belfast Fire Department responded to 53 City Point Road for a reported basement fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found that the homeowner had extinguished a small basement fire before they arrived. The residence was filled with smoke, and firefighters ventilated the home to remove it.

The Office of State Fire Marshal responded to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators determined that the fire originated in the basement and was intentionally set. The fire produced significant smoke throughout the residence and caused minor damage to the basement.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher Gordon, 18, of Belfast, was arrested by State Fire Marshal Investigators and charged with arson. Gordon resides at the home with other family members.

No occupants were injured, and several pets inside the residence at the time of the fire were unharmed.

At the time of his arrest, Gordon was on conditions of release in an unrelated matter. In accordance with those conditions, no bail was set pending his initial court appearance.

The investigation remains ongoing.