PORTLAND — A fatal fire at a multi-unit apartment building early Sunday morning is under investigation.
The Portland Fire Department responded to 43 St. Lawrence St. at approximately 2:17 a.m. after a report of a fire.
The three-story, four-unit building was fully occupied at the time of the blaze.
Portland Police also responded to the scene, and the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office was later called to assist.
Fire crews encountered heavy fire on the building’s rear porch and confirmed evacuation efforts were underway.
During fire suppression operations, two individuals were found deceased inside the structure.
The victims were transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for autopsies to determine the cause of death and establish positive identification.
Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office, along with the Portland Fire and Police departments, conducted an origin and cause investigation throughout the day.
The fire remains under investigation.
Anyone with information or video related to the incident is asked to contact the Portland Police Department at 207-874-8575 or the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office at 207-626-3870.
The American Red Cross is providing assistance to displaced tenants.
