NEW GLOUCESTER — Crews put out a fire this afternoon that was believed to be started by a discarded cigarette.

Fire Chief Gary Sacco said a neighbor saw smoke coming from behind the single story ranch at 417 Intervale Rd. and reported it around 1:30 p.m. The fire, which started outside, spread to the back of the house.

Fire crews from New Gloucester, Gray and Poland had the fire knocked down in about 15 minutes and were on the scene for an hour, Sacco said. No one was home at the time and two dogs were rescued from the house, he said.

Sacco said the house is still livable, but estimated damage to the property is between $10,000 and $15,000. The tenant and landlord have been notified.