Officials confirmed the identities of the victims from the tragic fire on Saturday at 20-24 Noyes Street in Portland.
Victims included tenants David Bragdon, Jr. and Ashley Thomas, and non-tenants Christopher Conlee from Portland, and Maelisha Jackson from Topsham. The fifth victim is believed to be Nicole Finaly, a tenant.
All five victims were in their twenties, and all victims died from smoke.
The survivor who was severely burned, Steven Summers, of Rockland, was visiting friends at the house. Summers is still being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Seven other tenants did manage to escape safely from the building.
Efforts are underway to support families of the deceased, as well as the survivors. A benefit will be held on Wednesday, November 12th at The Great Lost Bear, where one of the victims, David Bragdon, worked.
Grace Tyler, a friend of the victims, is organizing a GoFundME campaign.
20-24 Noyes Street. Scene of a three-alarm fire on Saturday, November 1st. -West End NEWS Photo
The City is working with the Red Cross to support the families involved. The City Council held a moment of silence at their regular Council Meeting.
Due to the number of fatalities, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms has joined the State Fire Marshall in investigating the fire.
