SPRINGVALE — The State Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the cause of a fire in a multi-family dwelling that displaced five families on Easter Sunday.

Lt. Steve Ouellette said none of the people living in the five-unit apartment building were injured, nor were any of the multitude of firefighters fighting the blaze.

The fire was reported by a neighbor around noon, said Ouellette. He said the neighbor reported there was smoke pouring from a window on the third story of the structure.

All but one of the estimated 20 residents had evacuated when firefighters arrived; they assisted one woman who was in the process of leaving the building when they arrived on scene, said Ouellette.

Firefighters fought the blaze for three hours. In addition to the department staff who were on duty, off-duty personnel, members of the call company, and firefighters from Acton, Alfred, Kennebunk, Lebanon, North Berwick, Shapleigh and Wells provided mutual aide.

Ouellette said the third floor, where the fire is believed to have originated, shows heavy fire damage that also extended into the attic and roof, while the ground floor and second floor sustained water damage.

Fire department personnel were able to contact the Red Cross early on, and that agency is assisting families.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire because the department’s own investigator is away.

City records show the property is owned by Bruce and Rebecca Carlson. It was built in 1900.

The Frost Street fire wasn’t the only one firefighters dealt with on Sunday. A family on Oak Ridge Road lost a shed to fire after what firefighters said they believe had been an outdoor cooking fire re-kindled.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].