LONG ISLAND, Maine — A homeowner died in a fire on Long Island, off the coast of Portland, on Monday afternoon.
At about 2:30 p.m., fire and emergency crews responded to the scene of a house fire at 41 Atlantic Lane, Maine Department of Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said in a news release.
The two-story home was destroyed by the blaze, creating approximately six feet of debris that needed to be searched, Moss said.
At the time of the fire, two family members were inside the home. One of the two was able to get out and run to a nearby home to call for help, according to the release.
"The homeowner, believed to be 69-year-old Thomas Johnson, did not make it out of the residence," Moss stated.
The Long Island Fire Department called the Office of State Fire Marshal to the scene for assistance, according to Moss.
"Investigators responded to the scene last night but were unable to conduct a complete search due to the amount of debris and lack of light. Investigators returned this morning and have located the remains which will be transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta to confirm the identification," the release said.
An employee for the town of Chebeague Island confirmed with NEWS CENTER Maine that all fire crews for Long Island and Chebeague Island responded.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Kevin Battle, a witness to the heavy smoke coming off the island, shared the photo below with NEWS CENTER Maine. Battle said the photo was taken from Southern Maine Community College, by Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.
A local firefighter shared the photo below with NEWS CENTER Maine.
This story will be updated as NEWS CENTER Maine confirms more information.