From Staff Reports
BIDDEFORD — An early morning fire that sent eight people to the hospital Thursday was arson, according to the State Fire Marshal’s office.
Biddeford Fire Chief Joseph Warren said his department received a report of a fire at 35 Main St. at 3:47 a.m. Thursday, and responders arrived minutes later to see the apartment building ablaze.
Investigators said the fire was set on a rear stairwell to the building, according to a statement from Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesman Steve McCausland.
Two young men, rescued from their third-floor apartment, remain hospitalized, according to McCausland. Michael Moore, 23, is in grave condition, McCausland said this morning, but James Ford, 21, is expected to survive.
The six others sent to the hospital have been released.
State Police joined the investigation Thursday, said McCausland.
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