Ten people homeless after fire in Old Orchard Beach

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — A fire Monday morning left 10 residents of Union Avenue homeless.

Firefighters responded to a call around 11:15 a.m. and found a heavy fire at a garage at 90 Union Ave. that had spread to the adjoining multi-unit home, according to Fire Chief Fred LaMontagne.

The fire left the three-unit residence uninhabitable and destroyed the garage. As a result, 10 people were homeless, said LaMontagne.

Residents of the building vacated the building when they heard smoke alarms and no one was injured, said LaMontagne.

A neighboring multi-unit building at 88 Union Ave. had some exterior damage that included melted siding and window casing, said LaMontagne. The neighboring building is currently under renovation and was not occupied.

Firefighters were on scene until about 6 p.m., said LaMontagne.

LaMontagne said the fire department was able to fight the fire thanks to the help of firefighters from surrounding communities who quickly arrived on scene. Fire fighters from Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough and Goodwins Mills assisted town fire fighters.  

“We are all struggling with staffing shortages. They all did an outstanding job. They came when we needed them,” said LaMontagne.

The occupants of the building received assistance from Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army, which is located about a block away from 90 Union Ave., opened its doors to give residents a place to gather out of the rain Thursday afternoon and allow firefighters a place to take a break if needed.

“They’re great neighbors,” said LaMontagne.

The fire is under investigation, though it is not believed to be suspicious, said LaMontagne.

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