Portland firefighters use a ladder to gain access to the roof while responding to a fire at 15-17 Sherman St. in Portland on Tuesday.

Kacie Piscatelli of Portland holds her shirt to her face while watching a smoky fire at 15-17 Sherman St. in Portland on Tuesday.

Firefighters battle a fire in a three-story apartment building on Sherman Street in Portland on Tuesday. Dennis Hoey/Staff Writer

Donald Carpenter of Yarmouth, who was visiting friends across the street, alerted residents at 15-17 Sherman St. in Portland that the building was on fire.

Portland firefighters attack the apartment house fire from Grant Street. Dennis Hoey/Staff Photographer

Smoke fills the air on Sherman Street during Tuesday's fire. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

Sherman Street fills with smoke while firefighters battle a blaze at 15-17 Sherman St. in Portland on Tuesday.

Tired Portland firefighters rest as a crowd gathers during the apartment house fire on Sherman Street. Dennis Hoey/Staff Writer