WATERVILLE, ME — The Waterville Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a residence on Washington Street in Waterville at approximately 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.
The fire was first reported by a passerby.
A neighbor and the passerby attempted to enter the home, believing it was occupied, but were forced back by heavy smoke.
Firefighters arrived on scene and entered the residence.
They located and removed a female occupant from the home.
Crews began life-saving measures immediately before the woman was transported by Delta Ambulance to Maine General Medical Center Thayer Center in Waterville.
She was later transported by LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland.
The occupant, identified as Lauren Slack, 42, of Waterville, sustained life-threatening burn injuries.
An investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated in the living room fireplace.
Investigators found that Slack had applied lighter fluid to a fire in the fireplace, resulting in a flash fire that caused her injuries.
The fire caused moderate damage to the single-family home.
Several pets died in the fire, while others survived and are being cared for by the Waterville Animal Control Officer.
Mutual aid at the scene was provided by the Oakland and Winslow Fire Departments and Delta Ambulance.
The Fairfield Fire Department provided station coverage for Waterville.
The Waterville Police Department assisted with the investigation and traffic control.
No injuries to firefighters were reported.
