AUGUSTA, Maine — A vacant section of the Senator Inn and Spa in Augusta became engulfed in flames early Friday morning.
The Augusta Fire Department told NEWS CENTER Maine the call came in just after midnight from a passerby who saw flames coming through the roof.
The section of the inn that caught fire was a vacant, independent, standalone building that wasn't being used, according to the fire department.
The rest of the hotel is operational, according to the fire department, and no injuries were reported.
Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss issued a news release Friday afternoon with an update on the investigation conducted by the state fire marshal's office.
According to the investigation, the fire was contained to the attic space and roof of a 15-unit section of the inn known as the Governor's Wing, which is only used during the summer season and was undergoing renovations.
Stephanie Petkers was staying at the Senator Inn when the fire broke out. She said she was awakened by crews working to contain the fire.
"I woke up because I heard some slamming doors. I went to turn the light on around 1:30, and the power was out. I could see flashing lights in the window, and I opened my door and could see a fully engulfed fire," Petkers said. "I think it was just shock, just like, 'What's going on?' 'Is this part of the hotel?' 'Why isn't anyone telling us what to do?' We were just kind of on our own."
Nobody was in detached Governor's Wing at the time of the fire, and the cause was ruled accidental, according to the fire marshal's office.
The Augusta Fire Department was aided by Togus, Gardiner, Winthrop, Vassalboro, Hallowell, Sidney, and Manchester.
