FAIRFIELD — A Skowhegan man died Saturday morning after dousing himself with gasoline and setting himself on fire in his car along on U.S. 201, police said.

William Wakefield, 61, was found dead in the burned out car, according to a press release from Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.

Wakefield had earlier called a friend to say he would kill himself, McCausland said.

The fire was reported by a motorist at 9:49 a.m. in a rest area near the Skowhegan town line, and when firefighters arrived on scene the car was engulfed in flames, Fairfield Police Chief Tom Gould said.

Passing drivers witnessed the fire, Gould said, and one lane of traffic was closed for a short period of time.

Maine State Police and the Fairfield Fire Department also responded, and state fire marshals investigated as well.

Rachel Ohm — 612-2368

rohm@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @rachel_ohm

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