On Thursday, March 5, 2026, at approximatelly 7:05 pm., the Waterville Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 35 Washington Street in Waterville.  The fire was initially reported by a passerby.  A neighbor and the passerby believing the home was occupied, attempted to enter but were pushed back by smoke.

Firefighters arrived on scene and entered the residence, where they located and removed a female occupant.  Crews immediatelly began life saving measures before the victim was transported by Delta Ambulance to Maine General Medical Center Thayer Center in Waterville.  She was later transported to LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland.  The occupant Lauren Slack, 42, sustained life-threatening burn injuries.  An investigation conducted by the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated in the living room fireplace.  Investigators determined the occupant had applied lighter fluid to a fire in the fireplae, creating a flash fire that caused the injuries.  The fire caused moderate damage to the single family home.  Several pets died in the fire, while others survived and are being cared for by the Waterville Animal Control Officer.

There were no injuries to firefighters.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office will continue to investigate.