BIDDEFORD, Maine — A Thursday morning fire that injured eight people was intentionally set, state officials said Thursday afternoon
Two young men remained hospitalized Thursday afternoon, one in critical condition, after a fire was reported about 3:45 a.m. in an apartment building at 35 Main St.
The state fire marshal’s office determined the fire was set in a rear stairwell to the building, according to a release from Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Biddeford Fire Chief Joseph Warren told Portland television station WGME, CBS 13, that two men were found unconscious on the top floor of the building. Both men were revived with CPR.
In addition to the two men who were hospitalized, six other residents were rescued, some from windows on the second floor. The six were treated and released from Southern Maine Medical Center.
State police will join the investigation as they monitor the conditions of the two men most seriously injured, according to McCausland.
The names of the injured will be released after notification of family members.