A fire at this apartment building on Friday night has displaced up to two dozen people and injured three people, one seriously. EVELYN WAUGH/Journal Tribune
SANFORD — More than two dozen people remain out of their residences after being displaced by a fire at an apartment building in Sanford on Friday night.
Sanford firefighters responded to a two-alarm blaze at the Kingsley Apartments, 17 Washington St. in Sanford, about 8:15 p.m. Friday.
Arriving at the scene, fire crews extracted an injured resident from a burning apartment and extinguished another fire in an adjacent stairwell.
Three people were hurt in the fire, including one Sanford firefighter.
A sign on the door to the Kingsley Apartments at 17 Washington St. in Sanford prohibits residents from gaining entry to the building after a Friday night fire there. EVELYN WAUGH/Journal Tribune
Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesman Steve McCausland said that Paula Pierce, 67, was seriously burned smoking while on oxygen to help her breathe. Pierce is being treated at Maine Medical Center in Portland for severe burns.
“Neighbors heard the apartment’s smoke detector and called 911,” McCausland said. “There was minor fire damage to the apartment and smoke and water damage to adjoining units.”
He said that oxygen vapors are highly flammable and those using oxygen are warned not to have any open flames nearby.
“Two other Maine residents have died earlier this year from smoking while on oxygen,” McCausland said.
Another fire victim was taken to Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford for treatment.
The American Red Cross is assisting a total of 13 residents forced out of the apartments in the building because of the fire.
American Red Cross of Maine spokesperson Ann Kim said disaster responders were working with people displaced by the fire to ensure that their immediate needs such as food, a safe place to sleep and other essentials are met.
Five Red Cross staff members responded to the apartment building fire to help displaced residents, Kim said.
According to Kim, the number of residents the Red Cross is assisting could rise as it may hear from additional affected individuals in the coming days.
“The Red Cross will be remain in contact with the displaced residents to provide community referrals as they begin their road to recovery,” Kim said.
The American Red Cross helps people affected by home fires and other disasters with their immediate physical needs and also provides them with emotional support. Individuals wishing to support Red Cross Disaster Services can call (800) RED-CROSS or visit MaineRedCross.org.
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