Maine Firefighter Injured in Collapse at School Fire

BANGOR – A fire at John Bapst Memorial High School on Broadway has been brought under control, according to Bangor Fire Chief Tom Higgins.

Crews from several area departments began hauling hoses out of the structure after fighting the fire for about two hours, Higgins said at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

One firefighter was injured when a portion of the ceiling on the third or fourth floor collapsed, Higgins said earlier. The injured man was brought to a local hospital. Higgins did not release the identity of the firefighter or the nature of his injuries.

School was not in session Wednesday because of February vacation so no students were in the building. About a dozen employees were working and evacuated the building safely, according to principal David Armistead. Those employees are being allowed back into the building to collect their belongings, Higgins said.

Traffic has been shut down on Broadway in the vicinity of the school. Bangor, Brewer and Hampden fire departments and police are at the scene. Police are asking people avoid the area.

The high school building first opened in 1928, according to the school’s website.

No further details were immediately available.