BUCKFIELD — A mobile home fire Thursday morning likely was caused by squirrels chewing through electrical wire coverings and creating a short circuit, according to the state Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fire Chief Tim Brooks said the homeowners at 65 Bridgham Road had had trouble with squirrels, “so that’s where (the fire investigator) is leaning.”

Fire officials initially thought it might have started near a wood pellet stove in the home.

No one was injured in the blaze and no pets were inside, Brooks said.

A neighbor called 911 shortly before 10:30 a.m. after seeing flames shooting through the roof, he said.

“The center third of the trailer was fully involved,” when firefighters got to the scene, Brooks said. The fire was in the ceiling. “We got the center knocked down and both ends flared up.”

The home was a total loss, he said.

Paris, Sumner and Hebron fire departments also responded to the call.

Firefighters fight a fire Thursday morning on Bridgham Road in Buckfield. Sun Journal file photo by Russ Dillingham