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OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (AP) — The state fire marshal in Maine says a man burned down his house and killed three family pets while trying to exterminate ants in his basement with matches.
Investigators say 21-year-old Devon Doucette was trying to incinerate the ants with wooden matches when one of them ignited nearby combustible materials. The fire quickly spread to the rest of the house.
Authorities say Doucette was treated and released for smoke inhalation and burns after he carried some burning items out of the house. They say the house is owned by his parents, who were not at home at the time.
Authorities say the fire killed two cats and a dog. They say charges are not likely.
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