A fire at a historic house in downtown Brunswick Tuesday that Brunswick fire officials believe was started by a homeless person burned a handicapped access ramp and damaged the porch.
Had it gone unchecked, the fire could have done more damage to the Lissner House, 1319 Union St., but Interim Brunswick Fire Chief Tim White said firefighters made quick work of the blaze.
White said it is not the first time homeless people have taken up temporary residence on the porch or under the ramp. The city owns the structure.
“We’re working with code enforcement now to find a way to try to secure these (vacant) buildings,” White said.
The Lissner House is currently not being used by the city, which makes it a potential target for homeless people seeking shelter. It is an issue at vacant structures throughout the city whether they are well-kept or dilapidated and uninhabitable, said John Hunter, director of planning, development and codes for the city.