March 25, 2012

FORT KENT, Maine (AP) — Fire tore through downtown Fort Kent early Sunday, destroying fives buildings and forcing 10 people out of their homes, authorities said. No one was injured.

The fire broke out in one of three buildings that made up a furniture store, then spread to the other two, along with two adjacent buildings not associated with the store, said Steve McCausland, a spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety. The other two buildings housed a medical supply store and unoccupied retail space as well as apartments.

Fort Kent Fire Chief Ed Endee said between 75 and 100 firefighters from eight departments in Maine and neighboring New Brunswick responded to the blaze, which was reported by a passer-by shortly after midnight. The cause was under investigation.

The fire was declared under control by about 6 a.m., though firefighters continued hosing down hot spots throughout the afternoon, Endee said. By evening, three fire investigators were on the scene conducting interviews and examining the rubble, McCausland said.

Among those helping to evacuate residents was Tony Enerva of the Fort Kent Police Department, who told the Bangor Daily News: "We had literally minutes to get people out. We are really lucky nobody got hurt."

Fort Kent, a town of about 4,300 residents, is located along northern Maine's border with New Brunswick. U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, a Democrat who represents the district, said his office has reached out to the town to offer assistance.

"My heart goes out to the entire Fort Kent community right now," Michaud said. "Thank God nobody was hurt."