This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

Electrical Fire at Quarry Heights in Portland

No injuries, but two units evacuated pending cleanup.

Two apartments in Portland were evacuated and sustained water damage Monday night in what fire officials believe was an electrical fire.

The fire was contained to one two-story structure at the Quarry Heights housing complex. There were no injuries, but the occupants of units 44 and 45 will not be able to use their apartments until a cleanup is completed. 

A fire watch was ordered for the overnight hours to guard against any flare up in the wiring, even though power was shut off in the apartments effected. 

Find out what's happening in East Hampton-Portlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The early evening fire at the complex at 208 Main St. brought a ladder truck, a pumper and several other units of the Portland Fire Department. Two paramedic vehicles were also at the scene standing by.

Residents of two other apartments across the hall are also expected to find other places to stay overnight as a precaution. In all, the fire affected four apartments in one section. One of the residents needs oxygen around the clock according to her husband. She was expected to stay with a relative overnight.

Find out what's happening in East Hampton-Portlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fire Chief Robert Shea said the fire started above a fan in a bathroom and was in the ceiling and roof area of the building. Hoses from a ladder tilted above the roof brought  water down into the crawl space beneath the roof.  The fire caused some smoke that was ejected by fans. Shea said the top floor apartment had the most water damage, but the ground floor unit will be cleaned up Tuesday. 

There are about 70 who live at Quarry Heights, which houses senior citizens on a limited income, and tenants with disabilities.

Also at the scene was Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield. She was relieved to hear there were no injuries, but was concerned about the residents of the units some of whom have health issues.

Bransfield said it underscores the need to get a modern fire alarm system at the complex. The town has submitted an application for $700,000 federal block grant money to get a new system installed.

The fire was called under control just before 9 p.m.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.