CAMDEN — Downtown Camden, especially those outside near the backs of Rite Aid, Hartstone Inn, the Camden Opera House and along Mechanic Street by the Knox Mill, were startled by a loud explosion at 12:45 p.m. Friday.

Immediately following the explosion, smoke could be seen rising from the wooded area between the back of the Knox Mill and Rite Aid parking lots, in the area where longtime Camden resident David Conary, 55, was found dead in June 2015. A cross marking the spot was just a few of yards down the hill from where the fire was burning dry leaves and grass on the ground, and moving up the hill toward parked vehicles.

A couple of passersby jumped into action and began putting out the fire with their feet, kicking dirt and stomping on the flames. Meanwhile, a Rite Aid employee, who said he saw someone leaving the area quickly, possibly because they were startled by the explosion, said he called the fire department.

A single fire engine responded into the Knox Mill parking lot and put out the smoldering fire while Camden Police Chief Randy Gagne, detective Curt Andrick and officer Brook Hartshorn looked around and talked to witnesses.

Another witness at the scene said they earlier saw a group of young people in the area where the explosion and fire happened, but nobody reported seeing teenagers in the area or leaving the area immediately after.

Fire Chief Chris Farley said a Forest Ranger was in the area and headed to town, and that he had called the Fire Marshal’s Office and they were sending someone to investigate as well, to help determine what kind of device, if any, caused the explosion.

The area around the where the incident occurred has been taped off by fire and police officials while the investigation continues.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6655.