Maine Fire Chief Charged With Arson

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (CBS/AP) — Authorities say a Maine fire chief has been arrested on an arson charge over a grass and marsh blaze fought by more than 100 firefighters.

State police say Old Orchard Beach Fire Chief Ricky Plummer was arrested at around 2 a.m. Saturday over an April 15 fire that burned 42 acres at the Jones Creek Marsh and led to evacuations.

Police say investigators on Friday seized computers at the fire station and in Plummer's official vehicle as well as Plummer's cellphone.

The 59-year-old Plummer was arrested at his mother-in-law's Scarborough home.

Authorities say he was taken to the Cumberland County Jail. His bail was set at $10,000.

Capt. John Gilboy with the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department called the arrest a "personnel issue" and said the department had no comment.

Town Manager Larry Mead said in a statement to WGME that Plummer has been placed on administrative leave which will continue "until further notice."

"I want to reassure the residents of old Orchard Beach that the public safety needs of the Town will continue to be fully served," said Mead.

"I have full confidence in the skills, dedication and commitment of the command staff, and of all the men and women of the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department. They will continue to serve and respond around the clock seven days a week to provide fire and rescue services to the people of Old Orchard Beach."

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