VEAZIE, Maine (Aug. 12, 2025) — A blaze tore through part of a 20-unit apartment building Tuesday afternoon on Thompson Road, injuring one person and displacing multiple residents, officials said.

Veazie police and firefighters arrived shortly after 3 p.m. to find flames spreading up the rear exterior of the building and into the roof. A third alarm was struck, bringing mutual aid from Bangor, Brewer, Orono, Old Town, the Air National Guard, Hermon, Hampden, Eddington, Holden, Milford, Bradley, Orrington, Howland and Northern Light EMS.

Crews contained the fire to four apartments, though other units sustained smoke and water damage.

An adult male occupant was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center with second-degree burns to his feet, according to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. Officials said more than a dozen firefighters were treated on scene for heat-related illnesses.

One dog and possibly a cat died in the fire. The American Red Cross was called to assist residents forced from their homes.

Investigators determined the fire started on an exterior porch from the improper disposal of smoking materials.