BREAKING: Victims of Portland Fire Identified

BREAKING: Portland, Maine - Officials today confirmed the identities of the victims from the tragic fire on Saturday at 20-24 Noyes Street in Portland. The Office of the Medical Examiner has confirmed that all five of the victims died from smoke inhalation and that four of the victims include:
·         David Bragdon, Jr., 27, tenant of the building
·         Ashley Thomas, 29, tenant of the building
·         Christopher Conlee, 25, Portland (non-tenant)
·         Maelisha Jackson, 26, Topsham (non-tenant)

The fifth victim is believed to be Nicole Finlay, 26, tenant of the building. The Medical Examiner is still in the process of making a final confirmation on this identification.

The survivor who was severely burned, Steven Summers, 29, of Rockland, and was visiting friends at
the house, is still being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Seven other tenants did manage to escape safely from the building.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms has been at the scene today to provide additional resources in determining how this tragedy occurred. ATF presence is typical with fires of this severity and number of fatalities. The State Fire Marshal’s office is still conducting its investigation to determine a cause.

The City continues to work with the Red Cross to support the families of the victims. The City Council is planning to hold a moment of silence in honor of the victims at its meeting tonight.

Residents should be reminded to practice essential fire prevention methods. These include checking smoke detectors to make sure they are in working order, replacing batteries on a semi-annual basis, and establishing and practicing a fire escape plan.

On Saturday, the Portland Fire Department responded to a three-alarm fire at the building, which is a two-family residence, after receiving multiple calls beginning at 7:17 AM. Upon arrival, the Fire Department found an advanced fire.