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)

Portland Fire investigators continue the investigation of the 3 alarm fire that destroyed an Irving Street building.

Portland, Maine – Investigators have determined that the 3 alarm fire at 84 Irving Street most likely started on the first floor of the building, but, have not yet determined what ignited the blaze.  The fire was reported shortly after 9:30 pm Sunday.  Investigators continue to gather and evaluate evidence as well as witness statements related to the fire.

“The presence of working smoke detectors certainly helped to prevent a very tragic outcome in this incident.” States Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria.  Six people escaped the fire because of functioning smoke detectors.   There were no reported injuries.

UPDATED BREAKING NEWS: Portland 3 Alarm Apartment Building Fire **UNDER CONTROL**

UPDATE: Fire is **Under Control**. Red Cross and Metro Bus are on scene helping the residents.

Portland, Maine - The Portland fire and police department are on scene of a three alarm 2.5 story apartment building fire at 84 Irving Street. Fire was reported around 9:30pm Sunday night.

A person inside the house at the time told CBS 13 the fire started in a bedroom on the first floor. The fire quickly spread throughout the house, then to an attached barn.

Residents said to WCSH6 that everyone made it out safely but they are still trying to account for pets.

RCN America Network will bring you the latest on this developing breaking news...