Fire crews respond to an intense house three alarm fire on Columbia Road in the Rosemont neighborhood of Portland.

Portland Maine - Fire Crews from Ladder Company 1 work to extinguish an intense third alarm fire at 38 Columbia Road in Portland this morning.   (Photo Courtesy of Portland Fire Department)

Portland, Maine – Portland Fire crews are on scene at an intense third alarm fire on Columbia Road in
Portland.  At approximately 9:00am fire crews were dispatched to 38 Columbia Road when an individual driving by noticed heavy smoke coming from the front porch of the involved single family house and called 911 .

Fire crews responding noted a heavy column of smoke from as far away as Brighton Avenues intersection with St. John St.   Upon their arrival they encountered a large and intense fire on the first floor.

“When we declare a third alarm the department calls in additional off duty firefighters it also brings mutual aid departments into our stations to ensure the safety of our community.” Said Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria  “This event demonstrates the importance, and commitment of our mutual aid partnerships.”  At the time of the alarm for the Columbia Road Fire, some Portland Fire crews were on the scene in Falmouth assisting the Falmouth Fire Department with a building fire on Foreside Road.

Because the home was unoccupied at the time of the fire, there is no information if smoke detectors activated.   Fire Investigators from the Portland Fire Department are working to determine the cause of the fire.

The home is unlivable and the occupants are being assisted by the American Red Cross and will be staying with friends within the neighborhood.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury while performing overhaul and is expected to return to duty after being evaluated by a physician.

Portland Maine - Fire crews work to ventilate the roof at 38 Columbia St in Portland Maine this morning.  Ventilation allows super heated and toxic gases to escape the building allowing firefighters to access the building and extinguish the fire.  (Photo Courtesy of the Portland Fire Department)