Lewiston Firefighters Rescue Victim at Apartment Fire

LEWISTON — Three people were taken to an area hospital for minor smoke inhalation as the result of an early morning fire at an apartment building on Lisbon Street.

Lewiston fire Capt. John Daniels said the blaze was reported at 3:15 a.m. Sunday at the three-story, multi-family apartment building located at 700 Lisbon St.

Daniels said more than 20 firefighters from Lewiston and Auburn responded to the blaze, which started on a side porch of the rear, second-floor apartment.

Daniels said the blaze is being investigated by Lewiston Fire Inspector Paul Ouellette.

According to Ouellette, the origin of the fire was narrowed down to a couch located on the enclosed porch. He said two of the three people taken to the hospital came down the front staircase of the building, while the third person was rescued by ladder from the second story. Names of the victims were not released Sunday.

Oullette said his office is being assisted by the State Fire Marshal's office, as well as the criminal investigation division of the Lewiston Police Department due to the injuries.

"We found the origin. Now we're trying to find the source," Oullette said.

Oullette said the building housed five apartments and a storefront. As of Sunday afternoon, all tenants except for one were able to return to the building.