PARIS — The State Fire Marshal’s Office reported a 5-year-old child died in a fire Tuesday afternoon at 31 Nichol St.

Firefighters arriving on scene determined that a woman had been inside the residence with her three children, a five year old boy and two girls, ages three and nine months. The mother was able to get her two younger children out of the house but not the five year old, according to a statement release Tuesday night by the Dept. of Public Safety.  Firefighters located the boy inside the residence unresponsive. Firefighters removed the child from the burning home and transported him to Stephens Memorial Hospital but the boy did not survive.

A team of investigators from the Fire Marshal’s responded to the scene and began an investigation. They were at the home late into the evening and will return tomorrow to continue their investigation.

The Chief Office of the Medical Examiner will be conducting an autopsy tomorrow.

The Paris, West Paris, Oxford, Poland, Norway, Otisfield, Buckfield, Hebron and Mechanic Falls Fire Departments responded to the call.

The Paris Police Department, Oxford Police Department and Pace Ambulance also assisted.

Heavy smoke was seen in the area and both ends of the street were closed to traffic.

Dennis Barker, who lives across the street, said the fire appeared to be out just before 3 p.m.

“There’s nothing, just very light smoke now,” he said, adding the house was very badly damaged.

Barker said he could clearly see the house from his window, and the fire moved fast. “The first time I looked up I saw fire and smoke coming out of the main top floor. The next thing I knew it was on the other side of the house.”

The fire marshal’s office is investigating.

According to Paris property assessment records, the home at 31 Nichols Stree is valued at just over $150,000 and is owned by a Portland woman. The family was renting the residence.

Supporting Sponsor for the Advertiser Democrat
Keeping communities informed by supporting local news. norwaysavings.bank