GARDINER, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Five people are unaccounted for Friday after a fire burned several buildings in downtown Gardiner Thursday.
State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas said Friday they are looking for Darren Jones in apartment seven, Robert Gagnon in apartment eight, Lisa Moore in apartment ten, Carrie Davis in apartment 11 and Shawn Smith in apartment 12. He said Davis and Smith of the five people are "completely unaccounted for," but has evidence the others are out in the community. Thomas said they always interview every single person in a building after a fire.
"We ask they call our dispatch center at 624-7076. We will directly make contact with them so we can talk about circumstances they may have encountered at the time of the fire," said Thomas.
He said crews have been unable check one of the buildings to look for the missing individuals because the building is not safe to enter.
The fire broke out around 4:20 p.m. at 235 Water St. and started in the second floor of the building. The fire took over four buildings, including apartments and businesses. Twelve fire departments and at least 100 firefighters battled the blaze. The roof of the building where the fire started collapsed, causing bricks to shower down on the firefighters, injuring three. They have been treated and released.
"The building of origin is a total loss. The other buildings are yet to be determined," said Gardiner Fire Chief Al Nelson.
Thomas said they have an area of origin for where the fire started, but haven't determined the cause. The building has to be stabilized before they investigate further.
Mayor Tom Harnett said a portion of the downtown will be shut off for some time while the investigation continues. He asks that once it is reopened, people come downtown and support their local businesses.
"We have already received an outpouring of support from Gardiner and beyond," he said.
The city of Gardiner is working closely with several organizations to help those that lost their homes and businesses. There is a GoFundMe page set up for the victims of the fire.
