VEAZIE — A two-story, 20-unit apartment building caught fire Tuesday afternoon after smoking materials were improperly disposed of on an exterior porch, according to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Penobscot County Regional Communications Center received the report at approximately 3:02 p.m. for 5 Thompson Road.
Veazie Police and Fire Departments responded and found the building with active fire involvement.
The fire had spread up the rear exterior of the building and extended into the roof.
A third alarm was requested, prompting a large mutual aid response from Bangor, Brewer, Orono, Old Town, the Air National Guard, Hermon, Hampden, Eddington, Holden, Milford, Bradley, Orrington, Howland, and Northern Light EMS.
Fire crews contained the fire to four apartments.
Neighboring units sustained water and smoke damage.
One adult male occupant was transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for treatment of second-degree burns to his feet.
One dog and possibly a cat perished in the fire.
More than a dozen firefighters were treated on scene for heat-related illnesses.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted a scene investigation.
Preliminary findings indicate the fire originated on an exterior porch due to the improper disposal of smoking materials.
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist displaced residents.
