Fire At Elderly Housing Complex in Maine: One Dead, One Critical

UPDATE: The woman who died in this morning's fire in Oxford is 85-year-old Theresa Heino.  In critical condition with smoke inhalation is 65-year-old Virginia Brown. She is being treated at Stephens Memorial  Hospital.

State Fire Marshal investigators continue to investigate the cause and will be calling in an electrical inspector on Monday.

The fire started in a common area of the main building and destroyed that room, sending thick smoke throughout the building.

Smoke detectors were working.  The building, because of its age, did not have fire sprinklers. 

The State Fire Marshal's Office says one person has died and another is in critical condition following a fire at an elderly apartment complex in Oxford early this morning, Both victims are women.  More than a dozen others were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

The fire broke out  at Oxford Meadow, a 39-unit apartment complex at 1633 Main Street along Route 26 about 2am.   Fire Marshals say the fire started in a common area on the first floor and spread thick smoke throughout the building.  Residents were transported to the nearby high school after being evacuated from their apartments.

Oxford Fire Chief Wayne Jones says says personnel from 10 towns helped fight the fire. Dozens were treated for smoke inhalation. Other residents were taken to Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School as a temporary shelter and for medical evaluations.

A team of fire marshals will attempt to pinpoint the cause of the fire today.  The names of the victims will be released after relatives have been contacted.