SOUTH PORTLAND — People living on the top floor of a two-unit apartment on Ocean Street were cooking Sunday morning and somehow started a fire that displace them, and the people living below them, including American Idol contestant Cherry Lemonade.
The fire was reported at 10:05 p.m. at 143 Ocean St., and when firefighters arrived smoke was visible, South Portland fire Lt. Robb Couture said Sunday afternoon, just as crews returned to the firestation.
“There was heavy smoke coming from the front left side of the building, on the second floor,” the lieutenant said. “There was heavy fire in the kitchen and livingroom area of the second floor.”
Firefighters had put the fire out within 10 to 15 minutes of arriving, Couture said. The blaze was deemed accidental.
“There is extensive fire damage to the entire top floor and smoke and water damage to the first floor,” he said.
Conor Tubbs, a drag performer who auditioned for American Idol in Kansas City as contestant Cherry Lemonade, was staying on the first floor with a cousin, WGME reported.
“Several people were staying on the first floor and several people were staying on the second floor,” Couture said. “The Red Cross is helping those who need assistance.”
Those staying at the apartment building were able to escape uninjured, but three or four cats perished in the blaze, the lieutenant said.
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