PORTLAND — Fire investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Portland Fire Department, working in conjunction with the Portland Police Department, continue to investigate the cause of a fire that occurred at a four-unit apartment complex on Sunday.
Preliminary findings indicate the fire originated on the rear second-floor porch area of the building before spreading into the interior of the structure, causing significant damage.
Fire investigators are confident that no foul play is suspected.
Two individuals perished in the fire.
They are believed to be 45-year-old Nicole Nieoff and 40-year-old Jake Millett, both of Portland.
Positive identification is pending confirmation by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
The investigation remains active.
The Office of State Fire Marshal recognized the members of the Portland Maine Fire Department for their suppression efforts, which prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.
The building had been previously inspected by Portland Code Officials, and those efforts enhanced life safety measures that aided occupants in getting out safely.
