The cause of an outside fire behind the Peaks Island Post Office, 76 Island Avenue, has been determined to be accidental due to improperly disposed smoking material according to a press release issued today by the Portland Fire Department.

Yesterday, Monday, June 8th at 1:42 pm., Portland 911 began receiving calls repordting an outside fire behind the Post Office.  Engine 12 from the Peaks Island Public Safety Building responded with the on-duty crew.  Upon their arrival at 1:47 pm., they encountered heavy fire conditions at the rear of the building which contained a two-story single family apartment attached to the Post Office.

The Post Office was occupied by a clerk and there were two tenants in the apartment at the time of the fire.  All three individuals were able to evacuate the building without any injuries.

The Post Office building suffered significant smoke damage.  The apartment unit in the rear sustained significant damage and is not habitable.  The seasonal occupants were able to make other arrangements for housing.