Arson Fires Hit Maine City's Downtown

April 10--LEWISTON -- Firefighters were busy Thursday morning fighting four separate pre-dawn fires in downtown Lewiston.

Lewiston Fire Chief Paul LeClair said at least two of the fires were definitely set, but officials have not said if any of the fires are connected.

The first fire occurred at 135 Oxford St. at approximately 1:30 a.m. That was followed at 2:58 a.m. by a fire at 44 Nichols St., which is at the corner of Holland Street.

While at the scene of that blaze, firefighters were then called to a larger fire at an apartment building at 23 Howe Street, which spread to another apartment building at 21 Howe St.

All six apartments at 21 and 23 Howe St. were occupied, LeClair said. The buildings, just a couple of feet from one another, are both considered a total loss and will likely be torn down, LeClair added.

According to Lewiston Fire Inspector Paul Ouellette, there was a fourth pre-dawn fire at 48 Howe St.

The fires at Oxford Street and at 48 Howe St. were definitely set, LeClair said. Residents of those buildings, however, were not displaced.

Officials are asking Lewiston landlords to be vigilant with their properties and to make sure there is no trash left outside.

LeClair requested that anyone with information on the fires is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal's Office.

There were no reports of injury.

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