Portland Fire Department Completes Investigation Into Cause and Origin of Deering Avenue Blaze

Fire Department investigators are unable to determine cause due to extent of damage

Portland, Maine - The Portland Fire Department fire investigators have determined that the origin of the blaze that destroyed a home at 40 Deering Avenue early yesterday morning started in the rear of the house on the left side. However, investigators have been unable to determine a cause due to the extent of the damage.  

“As with any major fire, the extent of the damage to the building makes determining a cause difficult, if not impossible," said Tim Nangle, spokesperson for the Portland Fire Department. "The building's structural integrity makes the building dangerous to enter or work around and our investigators safety is our paramount concern.”  

According to Jon Rioux, Deputy Director of the City of Portland's Inspections Division, due to the extent of the damage the owner has decided to move forward with demolition of the structure. Contractors were on site earlier today evaluating the building for demolition. Residents are urged to avoid the area directly in front of the building on Deering Ave. for their safety.

The fire was reported at about 5:00 AM on Tuesday and required a 3rd alarm response from the Portland Fire Department. There were no injuries as a result of the fire. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for an unrelated medical issue and was discharged a short time later.  The family of four is being assisted by the American Red Cross.