JAY — Three families lost their home to a fire Saturday afternoon that destroyed a three-story apartment building.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Booker said the fire had reached most of the building at 31 Church St. and was coming through the roof by the time rescuers arrived.

“You could see it for miles,” he said.

Booker said they received a 911 call at 12:29 p.m. and arrived soon afterward.

Eight people were in the building at the time of the fire, but they all made it out without injuries before firefighters arrived. Nine residents — six adults and three children — lived in the apartments.

Booker said the apartments were near other structures but the other buildings did not need to be evacuated.

The Livermore, Livermore Falls, Wilton, East Dixfield and Farmington fire departments assisted the Jay Fire Department. Booker said about 60 firefighters responded to the fire.

Booker said two marshals from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating to determine the fire’s cause.

Firefighters were still at the fire late Saturday afternoon and were expected to remain there several more hours.

Kaitlin Schroeder— 861-9252
kschroeder@mainetoday.com