Several area fire departments respond to fire in Biddeford

Firefighters from more than 10 communities responded to a fire Thursday night that severely damaged a multi-unit building in Biddeford.

A building fire was reported at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at 10 Brackett St., according to a press release from Assistant Fire Chief Ken Thorpe. The first firefighters at the scene reported a large amount of fire located at the rear of the three-story building, said Thorpe. All occupants made it out of the building safely, he said.

Due to wind conditions, the apartment building next door suffered damage from wind-driven fire.

No occupants from the building next door were injured, said Thorpe. Two Firefighters were transported to the hospital due to heat exhaustion and were later released, he said.

Eleven fire departments from surrounding communities responded to the scene, and four other communities -Portland, South Portland, Waterboro and Hollis- responded to Biddeford to cover other emergencies in the city, said Thorpe.

The fire was out by 8 p.m., and fire fighters spent the night extinguishing hot spots, he said.

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the fire and no cause has been determined at this time.

According to city records, the building at 10 Brackett St. is a two-unit home built in 1904.

How to help

Community member Jessica Johnson has spearheaded a donation drive for families who were displaced in the fire. Items needed are girls’ clothing in sizes 7/8, 8/10, 10/12 and 14/16; girls shoes size 12, 2 and 3; boys 2T clothing and shoes 4/5c; Pampers diapers 360 size 5; womens shirts and t-shirts in small and medium; womens bottoms in large; womens X-large shirts and pants; womens size 8 shoes; mens 3XL shirts; and mens size 12W shoes. Other items include toiletries, bedding, toys and gift cards.

Donations can be dropped of from 5-7 p.m. on Monday at The Academy of Dance, 567 Elm St., Biddeford.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.