August 2, 2012

5:04 PM

At 2:34 pm, Portland firefighters responded to an apartment fire at 5713 North Fessenden Street. Portland Fire Station 22 (St. Johns) arrived on scene with an engine and ladder truck at the Clarendon Terrace Apartments at 2:38 pm to find heavy smoke pouring from the second floor of two apartment units.

Fire crews launched an aggressive fire attack to keep the fire from spreading to surrounding apartment units. All occupants were able to escape safely and no civilians or firefighters sustained any injuries. The fire was brought under control at 2:53 pm.

Fire investigators on scene have determined that gasoline stored on the back porch of one of the units accounted for the rapid spread of this fire. Smoking materials were improperly discarded and ignited combustible debris on the porch, which spread to the stored gasoline and contributed to the fast-moving blaze. Damages are estimated at $100,000.

The apartments below the fire units sustained water damage. The Red Cross is assisting 15 to 20 individuals who were displaced by the fire.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens to always dispose of smoking materials, or any other ashes, in a metal container with a secure lid.

Response Information:

* 4 engines
* 2 ladder trucks
* 2 fire investigators
* 2 battalion chiefs
* 28 firefighters