LEWISTON — Fire officials said two weekend fires started in electrical fixtures.
On Saturday morning, a bathroom exhaust fan overheated and started to burn after the resident of the second floor apartment at 135½ Bartlett St. had taken a shower.
Fire Inspector Paul Ouellette said the quick-thinking tenant pulled off the vent cover and sprayed the flames with a fire extinguisher. That prevented the fire from traveling up the pipe chase to the floor above, Ouellette said.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire.
“It still was burning when we got there, but he held it back long enough for us to get there to finish putting it out,” Ouellette said.
Damage to the building was estimated at roughly $3,000. Seven residents from the second-floor unit and seven from the third floor were not allowed back in their apartments because of damage.
A family of five had to vacate their third-floor apartment at 641 Sabattus St. Sunday at 8:30 p.m. after a fire ignited in wiring behind a bedroom ceiling light, Ouellette said. The resident noticed a red glow and wisps of smoke puffing from behind the fixture. Firefighters had that fire under control within 20 minutes, Ouellette said.
Damage was estimated at $5,000.
No injuries were reported from either fire.
The American Red Cross of Maine responded to both incidents to offer lodging, food and other necessities to the displaced family members.
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