November 07, 2024
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59 residents evacuated in Westbrook fire

WESTBROOK – Fire officials blamed smoking for an early morning fire that led to the evacuation of 59 elderly residents from a housing complex in Westbrook.

The Westbrook Fire Department says the fire at 2 a.m. Friday was caused by a resident who was smoking a cigarette while using her oxygen tank in violation of a no-smoking policy.

Officials say the resident who caused the fire was treated for smoke inhalation. Five others were taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

The fire was contained to one apartment, but an entire wing of the complex was shut down while investigators tried to determine the cause.


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