AUGUSTA, Maine — The fire at a three-story apartment building in Augusta that displaced 13 people Friday night was caused by an improperly discarded cigarette, according to the Augusta Fire Department.
Officials said a tenant disposed of a cigarette by placing it inside a plastic bag which then ignited a nearby bureau.
Firefighters said the blaze started after 7 p.m. and when they arrived they had to concentrate on containing the flames to the building at 15 State St.
A section of at least one other building caught fire briefly before firefighters put it out. The fire chief said it was a fast moving fire.
The five people who were home at the time all made it out safely. The Red Cross is providing housing for the people at a local hotel.
Several other apartment buildings in the area were evacuated as a precaution. Seven agencies helped the Augusta Fire Department with the fire.
Chief Roger Audette of the Augusta Fire Department said the tenants at 13 State St. would not be allowed into their building because the porches on the 15 State St. structure may collapse. Audette said the code enforcement officer would decide Monday whether the apartment building at 15 State St. would have to be torn down.