An electrical fire that apparently started in a chicken coop spread to and destroyed a nearby garage at a River Road farm Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters from Bowdoinham, Bowdoin and Richmond responded to a structure fire at 1441 River Road, located along Route 24 not far from the Richmond line, at 1:39 p.m.

Bowdoinham Deputy Chief Bob Frizzle said crews found the garage ablaze upon arrival and a chicken house next to the garage mostly burned.

Frizzle said firefighters believe the fire started in the chicken house and spread to the garage.

“We have to talk to the homeowner to determine if he had any heat sources like maybe chicken warmers or light bulbs,” Frizzle said at the scene.

The family who lives at the residence was not home at the time the fire broke out. Frizzle said the owner is William Waldron.

Later, Frizzle said the cause of the fire was very likely a heat lamp and outlet in the chicken pen that ignited and spread to the garage.

Frizzle said the garage, which had items including an all-terrain vehicle and rototiller inside, is a total loss.

There were no injuries. Frizzle said no firefighters were allowed inside the structure, which was engulfed with flames, because of concerns about its stability.

“I can’t say enough about mutual aid,” Frizzle said. “ Richmond’s tanker and engine were off within the first 10 minutes,” followed by additional mutual aid from Bowdoin Fire Department.

Dresden Fire Department also responded with a tanker and set up at a hydrant in town to fill tankers as needed.