Lewiston fire trucks attend to a call Saturday at the Lewiston Public Library. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

LEWISTON— A smoke alarm at the Lewiston Public Library temporarily closed downtown Lisbon Street as the Lewiston Fire Department investigated the cause Saturday afternoon.

Spectators pooled on street corners as police cruisers closed off the streets at Chestnut and Main and a ladder was raised to the second floor of the building on Pine street.

“There was smoke coming from the bathroom which set off the alarm,” said Steven Bouchard, an adult service librarian at the reference desk in the library.

The smoke had been emanating from a smoldering trash can in a bathroom, a firefighter said. The area was cleared and patrons and employees were able to reenter the building after approximately 30 minutes.

“I’m thankful for our first responders who continually put their lives on the line for us,” said Mayor Carl Sheline, who was among the spectators.

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