Home / Disasters and Accidents / Neighbor's quick call prevents deadly apartment fire
Neighbor's quick call prevents deadly apartment fire
13 Aug
Summary
- Discarded smoking materials caused the apartment building fire.
- A neighbor's rapid 9-1-1 call was critical in preventing a tragedy.
- The fire was located where it blocked the primary exit for residents.
A fire at a wood-framed apartment building in Kennebunk, Maine, on August 11th was attributed to carelessly discarded smoking materials. Firefighters were alerted to smoke emanating from the first floor of the 2.5-story building at 283 Alfred Road shortly before 6 a.m. The blaze, contained within an enclosed porch, was quickly extinguished.
During the fire suppression efforts, first responders ensured the evacuation of all tenants without any injuries. A neighbor's prompt observation of smoke and immediate call to 9-1-1 provided critical early notification, significantly aiding the response. Fire Rescue Chief Justin Cooper emphasized that this neighbor's intervention prevented what could have been a fatal incident.
Cooper noted that the fire's position created a severe life-safety concern as it obstructed the building's primary means of egress. The chief credited the neighbor's awareness and swift action with averting a potentially deadly outcome for the building's occupants.
