SANFORD — Local and state fire officials say the cause of the fire that gutted two Island Avenue apartment buildings and damaged three other properties last week is classified as undetermined — and will likely remain that way.
That is because of the extensive damage, according to Maine Fire Marshal Joe Thomas and Sanford Fire Marshal Patrick Cotter.
“Given the amount of damage, we’re unable to specifically pinpoint the cause,” Thomas said. He said there is no indication the fire was anything but accidental.
“Nothing to indicate a suspicious nature,” Thomas said.
The fire roared through Island Avenue — a narrow street on Sanford’s east side where the houses and apartment building are in close proximity to each other — on Thursday. Many of the dwellings were built in the early 1900s.
Firefighters from 25 departments fought the blaze for several hours. The two multi-family properties gutted — 33 and 35 Island Ave. — were demolished because of their condition Thursday night.
“The indication from the sergeant [Ken Grimes] is that it started on first or second floor porch of the exterior area” at 33 Island Ave., Thomas said.
The fire displaced several families, and there have been a number of neighborhood efforts to assist them, including a donation table that was set up at the Sanford Farmer’s Market on Saturday, a gofundme page and other efforts organized by individuals or groups of friends. The American Red Cross also provided assistance to two families, according to spokeswoman Ann Kim.