MECHANIC FALLS — Investigators were not identifying the man killed in an apartment house fire on Wednesday but friends and others said he was 46-year-old David Taylor, who had been living in an apartment at 3 Maple St.

The cause of the evening fire was still being investigated Friday night. Fire officials believe Taylor may have accidentally set himself on fire after spilling gas on himself and then lighting a cigarette.

An official at the State Medical Examiner’s Office said late Friday the cause of death was not being released.

Meanwhile, a friend of the victim was hospitalized with burns after reportedly trying to snuff out the flames. Acquaintances said the two men were together in an apartment on the upper floor when the fire started.

Three firefighters were hurt battling the blaze, which was reported at about 11 p.m. Wednesday. The injuries were later described as minor. Crews from 10 departments were at the scene before the fire was brought under control.

The American Red Cross was assisting the people who were burned out of the homes.