BIDDEFORD — The American Red Cross of Maine has stepped in to help after a man was injured in a fire at an apartment at 41 Birch St. in Biddeford on Dec. 17.

The victim was quickly removed from the multi-unit building, treated for injuries and taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland with apparent first- and second-degree burns, said Biddeford Fire Department Deputy Chief Kevin Duross. There was no immediate update available on his condition.

Firefighters say a sprinkler in the apartment activated and extinguished the blaze before firefighters arrived.

“Without the sprinkler system, this fire could have quickly traveled into the attic space and throughout the large apartment building,” said Duross.

The property consists of 48 apartments.

Biddeford Fire Department responded to the property for a fire-alarm activation around 11 p.m. on Dec. 17. While en route to the call, the alarm company notified the responding units of the location of the alarm as well as information of a sprinkler activation in one of the apartments. Duross said.

According to Duross there was no visible smoke or fire from the outside, but when firefighters entered the apartment, crews found the man suffering from burns.

Over the next several days, the Red Cross will be in contact with the victim to provide financial assistance and community referrals, said American Red Cross of Maine spokeswoman Ann Kim.

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.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or [email protected].