PORTLAND, Maine — Portland Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria said during a late Monday afternoon news conference that federal officials have joined in the investigation into what caused a Saturday morning house fire in the city that killed five people.
The chief said all possible causes, including arson, are still on the table.
When asked directly by a reporter Monday whether arson is still being considered as a possible cause for the blaze, LaMoria said, “At this point, we have not determined a cause — the state fire marshal’s office will be releasing that determination when it becomes available.”
LaMoria largely deflected questions regarding the layout of the 20-24 Noyes St. structure, where the damage was greatest and whether the building had a history of building or zoning code violations, saying those records are part of the ongoing investigation.
According to the city assessor’s database, the 4,200-square-foot, two-unit building was constructed in 1920 and is now owned by Gregory Nisbet.
LaMoria did officially release the identities of four of the victims of the fire and the suspected identity of the fifth during the news conference, however, representing the first time the names were confirmed by authorities. The victims’ names had previously been published by some media outlets, citing social media posts and the victims’ family or friends.
LaMoria said the state medical examiner has determined that all five individuals died of smoke inhalation.
All of the deceased were in their 20s. David Bragdon Jr., 27, and Ashley Thomas, 29, were previously identified as tenants at the building and victims of the fire by friends and family.
LaMoria said that Christopher Conlee, 25, and Maelisha Jackson, 26, both of whom were not tenants, also died in the blaze that was the deadliest in Maine in the last 30 years.
The fire chief added that a third tenant, Nicole Finlay, 26, is believed to be the fifth victim, although the medical examiner’s office has yet to make a final confirmation.
Conlee was a Portland resident and Jackson lived in Topsham.
LaMoria said one survivor, Steven Summers, 29, of Rockland, is still being treated for severe burns at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
The fire reported early Saturday morning destroyed much of the house. Seven other tenants and guests were able to escape, some by jumping to safety from a second-story window.
LaMoria said during the latest news conference that investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrived in Portland at 10 a.m. Monday. He said the federal agents’ participation is normal for a blaze of this size and effect.
The chief said the ATF agents will offer “fire modeling” science resources that can determine the behavior and direction of the fire with the building measurements and witness statements about furniture placements. LaMoria said investigators have not left the scene since first responding just after 7 a.m. Saturday.
“We now have a true panel of experts and the city will support that effort around the clock until we find the answers we seek,” he said.
LaMoria called the Saturday tragedy a “horrible day,” and urged residents to test smoke detectors, replace batteries if necessary, and practice fire escape plans.
The city is working with the Red Cross to support the families of the victims, and the City Council planned to hold a moment of silence in honor of the victims at its Monday night meeting, he said.
“As first responders, as a city, we’re still struggling with this tragedy,” the chief said.
