OLD ORCHARD BEACH — A former Maine fire chief charged with arson after he allegedly discarded a cigarette and ignited a blaze that scorched 42 acres has pleaded not guilty.

WMUR-TV reports Ricky Plummer pleaded not guilty Thursday. He had submitted his resignation in May. He was charged with arson after prosecutors say he intentionally set a fire that torched 42 acres of land in Old Orchard Beach in April. He was fire chief of the community at the time.

Plummer denied setting the fire intentionally.

He previously held the position of chief in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, before leaving the position in 2001.

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