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

Multiple fire departments responded to the three-alarm blaze at 1:48 p.m. Once on scene, they determined that a woman had been inside the residence with her three children, a 5-year-old boy and two girls, ages 3 and 9 months. The mother got her two younger children out of the house, but not the 5-year-old. Firefighters later located the boy inside the residence unresponsive.

The boy was transported to Stephens Memorial Hospital, but did not survive.

The State Marshal’s Office was investigating late into the evening and will return Wednesday to continue the investigation.

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

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 family was renting the residence at 31 Nichol Street.

According to Paris property assessment records, the home is valued at just over $150,000 and is owned by a Portland woman.

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.

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