On Friday, April 7, 2023, at 4:07 PM the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to 35 Pine Street for a reported building fire. Black smoke was visible from a distance. Car-4 was in the area and requested a 1st alarm assignment.

Car-5, the Shift Commander arrived on scene to find an occupied, 3-story, 4-unit apartment building, with fire engulfing 2 stories of decks and the exterior of the structure near the rear of the structure. The fire appeared to be entering into the living space on 2 floors and into the roof space. Occupants were still in the process of evacuating the building. Car-5 assumed command of the incident and requested a 2nd alarm assignment.

Engine-4 immediately knocked down most of the fire on the exterior, then performed an interior search for occupants and fire extension on the first floor. Engine-5 deployed a hose line to the second floor and conducted a search for occupants and fire extension. Car-5 transferred incident command to Car-1 and assumed command of operations at the front of the building. Car-2 assumed operations at the rear of the building.

No victims were located in the building and there were no reported injuries. Multiple mutual aid companies were put to work on their arrival. The fire had spread to the attic, 2nd, and 1st-floor interior of the building. All fire was extinguished, and 2 cats were found safe in an apartment on the opposite end of the building. The property management representatives arrived on scene to address the property needs and assist the residents. All residents are temporarily displaced while the building is assessed.

The fire is under investigation by the Rochester Fire Department.

Rochester Fire was assisted by Rochester Police, Frisbie EMS, and Fire Departments from Somersworth, Dover, Milton, Berwick, Barrington, Durham, and Lee. Fire departments from Farmington, Newington, Lee, and Sanford Maine provided station coverage with off-duty Rochester Firefighters.