LEWISTON, ME — A fire that started on a first-floor exterior deck caused extensive damage to a 20-unit apartment building Sunday, displacing all tenants.
The Lewiston Fire Department responded shortly before 4 p.m. to 425 Main Street, finding flames extending up outside decks attached to the fully occupied building.
Firefighters contained the fire and prevented further spread, with assistance from more than 10 surrounding fire departments.
No occupants were injured. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by EMS personnel.
Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal determined the fire originated from improperly discarded smoking materials and classified it as accidental.
The building is a total loss. The Red Cross is assisting displaced tenants.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reminded the public to properly extinguish and dispose of smoking materials in non-combustible containers.
