Auburn, Maine – Police in Auburn, Maine issued a shelter-in-place order as they dealt with an armed individual in an area where several explosions and a house fire occurred early Saturday morning. The situation prompted homes to be evacuated, and a section of Russell Avenue was blocked off by authorities.
The Auburn Police Department took to social media to alert residents about the shelter order, urging them to remain indoors while emergency responders addressed the fire and power outages on Russell Avenue. Reports indicated that there were at least three explosions at around 2:15 a.m., believed to be connected to the fire, according to the Lewiston Sun-Journal.
Additional explosions were heard in the vicinity shortly before 3 a.m., heightening the sense of urgency at the scene. The Maine State Police and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department were also present to assist in managing the situation, as reported by the Sun-Journal.
Two hours after the initial shelter-in-place order was issued, the Auburn Police Department provided an update stating that the situation had been resolved, the order lifted, and there was no longer any risk to the public. However, details regarding the armed individual and their involvement in the incident were not immediately disclosed to the public.
Auburn Fire Department Capt. Chris Moretto highlighted the challenges faced during the incident, emphasizing the coordinated efforts of emergency responders in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the affected area. The swift resolution of the situation reflected the professionalism and dedication of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
As the community recovers from the unsettling events, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosions and the house fire, working to provide reassurance to residents and prevent similar incidents in the future. The collaborative response of multiple agencies underscored the importance of effective communication and coordination in handling emergency situations.
Overall, the prompt action taken by law enforcement and emergency responders in Auburn, Maine demonstrated their commitment to protecting the community and addressing crises effectively. Residents were grateful for the swift resolution of the situation and the efforts made to ensure their safety during a challenging and uncertain time.