SANFORD, Maine — Four people were taken to the hospital after a fire broke out at a Sanford housing complex Tuesday.
As of noon Tuesday, Sanford Assistant Fire Chief Robert Arnold told NEWS CENTER Maine he was unsure of the patients' conditions.
Sanford fire crews responded to Eastside Acres Family Housing shortly after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Multiple units in the building were affected according to fire officials.
"We had an initial quick response. Our central station is right down the street so all three chiefs responded," Arnold said.
Arnold said he was unaware of any structural collapse in relation to the fire.
Fire departments from Acton, Wells, Alfred, and North Berwick assisted Sanford at the scene, and the Kennebunk Fire Department covered the Sanford station during the response.
"As with most fires, massive amounts of energy [are] needed in the beginning... there's never enough people in case something turns sideways," Arnold said.
Fire crews were able to put out the fire by the early afternoon, and the Office of State Fire Marshal was contacted to investigate.
Nearby resident Amber Sanchez says she was sleeping when she first got the news of the fire from her babysitter, right before running outside to see how she could help.
Being close friends with the neighbors affected, she says she is already working with a nearby church to find essentials and shelter for the time being.
"I've been here for almost three years now, so I've known her that long," Sanchez said. "I made the call, told the secretary 'I have a family that is desperately in need, they just lost everything. Can we send a prayer out and can we get something going for them?'"
Sanford Housing Authority Executive Director Diane Small says the American Red Cross is already working to help the five affected by the fire, alongside a mental health officer a part of the local police force.
The American Red Cross will install smoke alarms at no cost for Mainers who need them. To learn more, click here.