Woman Seriously Injured in Waterville House Fire

A 42-year-old woman suffered life-threatening burns in a house fire a home at 29 Washington Street in Waterville, Thursday night, March 5.

Several pets died in the blaze.

From the Waterville Fire Department:

The Waterville Fire Department responded to a building fire at 29 Washington St. in Waterville on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Initial alarm was received at 19:03 and the first units arrived on scene at 19:08 to report fire showing on the first floor, visible from a porch window. This fire was considered a working structure fire. First arriving crews were flagged down by neighbors to alert of a possible victim located behind the front door. Crews were able to remove the trapped victim from the first floor as well as initiate an offensive fire attack. The victim was transported by Delta Ambulance and then flown by LifeFlight of Maine to Maine Medical Center where their condition is unknown.
The fire was contained to the room of origin. Significant smoke, water and fire damage will render the residence inhabitable. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal.

From the Maine State Fire Marshal:

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, at approximately 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 immediately 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 by LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland. The occupant, 42-year-old Lauren Slack 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 fireplace, 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. No injuries to firefighters were reported. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will continue to investigate.