LEWISTON — The Lewiston Fire Department was called out for a second time in three hours Monday evening as an air conditioner was reported to be engulfed in flames at the corner of Birch and Bates streets.

At around 7:50 p.m., Lewiston firefighters, some just returning from a structure fire on Trident Drive, were called to a report of a fire at 275 Bates St.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a window air conditioner unit on fire on the ground beneath the first floor window it was installed in.

Police blocked off the road and evacuated the three story building as firefighters extinguished the flames that had spread to the window casing, sill and siding.

Firefighters removed smoldering wood and debris from around the window and soaked hot spots before moving in fans to help remove smoke from the building.

The fire is still under investigation.

dmcintire@sunjournal.com

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