The Saco Fire Department said cutting torches that were being used to remove an elevator shaft from a vacant Saco mill are likely what sparked a fire Tuesday morning that sent two firefighters to the hospital.

Lt. Jerry Beaulieu said two firefighters – one from Saco and one from Biddeford – were transported to Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford to be evaluated after complaining of chest pains. They were released an hour later.

The fire was reported around 5:45 a.m. in Mill Building 4, a large brick mill on Saco Island that is currently being renovated into apartments and retail space.

Saco Fire Chief John Duross said the fire was contained to an area of an elevator shaft that is under construction. There was fire on the roof and the second, third and fourth floors when Saco and Biddeford crews arrived on scene. They called in back-up from Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach and Goodwins Mills.

The fire was knocked down by 7 a.m., according to officials. Main Street was closed between Biddeford and Saco as crews worked at the scene, but was reopened by 7:30 a.m.

Duross said the fire was reported to dispatchers by someone passing by the building.

The mill building, next to the Amtrak station, is has about 225,000 square feet of floor space. It was built in 1841.

Once renovated, the mill building will include 150 apartments and 40,000 square feet of retail space.


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