SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – At approximately 6:50 PM on March 25, 2025 the South Portland Fire Department responded to a reported building fire at the Budget Inn, located at 634 Main Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the building. After confirming that all occupants were safely accounted for, crews discovered intense fire conditions in the attic space. Due to the open construction of the attic, the fire spread rapidly throughout the structure, causing significant damage.
“We were very familiar with this building, having responded to a similar fire here several years ago,” said South Portland Fire Chief Phil Selberg. “Knowing how quickly an attic fire could spread, we called for additional resources early. That extra help made a big difference in bringing the fire under control.”
At the time of the incident, nine rooms were occupied. All residents were safely relocated to an adjacent hotel building. The American Red Cross is assisting those affected.
Following an investigation by the South Portland Fire Department, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the fire was determined to have been caused by an electrical failure in the ceiling of one of the hotel rooms.
We would like to thank our mutual aid partners—firefighters from Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Portland Westbrook, and Gorham—who responded to the scene or provided station coverage during the incident.
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