CAMDEN — A fire Tuesday afternoon at the home of David and Leslie Vangel burned so completely that Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley said it's likely the cause will never be known.

"The cause is presently undetermined, and it will likely remain undetermined due to the extent of the damage," said Farley.

Two investigators with the State Fire Marshal's Office are at the property this afternoon, according to Farley.

The fire was called in around 1:45 p.m. March 26, and Farley said it got a good head start before anyone knew it was burning. When the first fire engines arrived on scene, the entire was engulfed in rolling flames and one corner of the roof had collapsed into the second floor.

Less than two minutes later, the entire roof and second floor of the 5,640-square-foot home collapsed into the first floor, sending an intense wave of heat across the front yard.

The home is located at the end of Lily Pond Drive, off Chestnut Street across from Seaview Cemetery, and is one of 18 parcels on the road tucked back in the woods.

Calls that started coming in to 911 reported a column of heavy black smoke in the area of Lily Pond Drive. There were reports of the smoke being seen as far away as Route 90, as the fire quickly consumed the six-bedroom home. The intense heat eventually ignited a small outbuilding and the adjoining garage, while a detached garage remained unaffected.

The Vangels were not home at the time of the fire, and David Vangel had taken their families dogs to Camden Hills State Park for a walk while his wife was at work. A family cat had been let outside earlier in the day, according to Farley.

As the house and its contents continued to burn, fire breached the oil tank in the basement sending up a new plume of heavy, black smoke around 2:30 p.m. Flames could be seen at the oil intake pipe outside the residence as fuel oil burned.

Camden was joined at the scene by firefighters and equipment from Rockport, Hope and Lincolnville. As of 5:45 p.m., Camden Engine 4 remained at the scene as a lot of debris continued to smolder.

Related story:

• Camden firefighters respond to Lily Pond Drive house fire

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached by email at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6655.