Criminal charges are being considered after police say three men were found running from a house fire on Pike Street in Augusta.

Three other departments from Litchfield, Vassalboro, and Winthrop were called in to help Augusta crews deal with heavy fire inside the single-family home.

The fire was determined to have started from a 20-pound propane tank attached to a portable “buddy heater.” A rubber supply hose came into contact with a lit candle, igniting the fire.

Investigators say they identified two people who had been squatting inside the vacant residence.

They say all people present at the time of the fire have been identified and interviewed.

No charges have been filed at this stage, but Fire Marshall investigators say they’ll consult with the Kennebec County District Attorney’s Office in a review to determine possible criminal charges.

The fire took place on Friday afternoon.