Waterville Fire Rescues Occupant From Roof During High Street House Fire

December 17, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

WATERVILLE, Maine — Waterville Fire Department crews rescued an occupant from a roof during a structure fire early Wednesday at a single-family home on High Street, according to a department release.

At 1:19 a.m. on December 17, 2025, the Waterville Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 12 High Street with reports that the occupant was on the roof to escape smoke and fire conditions. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke conditions in the area at a 2 1/2 story single-family home.

Firefighters located a single occupant outside his bedroom window on the roof above the front door. The occupant was rescued using a ground ladder and assessed on scene by Waterville Fire Department paramedics. The occupant declined transport, officials said.

Crews reported heavy fire in the rear of the building and a partial roof collapse. Due to unsafe conditions inside the building, firefighters operated from the exterior while working to prevent fire extension to neighboring buildings.

The release stated that, with assistance from Waterville Public Works, an excavator was brought in to prevent further collapse and to assist with extinguishment.

The department also emphasized the importance of maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detection in the home and sleeping with bedroom doors closed, noting the outcome could have been different if the occupant had been sleeping with the door open. The department encouraged residents with questions about best fire prevention practices to reach out.

Mutual aid assistance was provided by Winslow Fire Department, Fairfield Benton Emergency Services, Oakland Fire Rescue, and Skowhegan Fire Department. The Waterville Police Department also assisted at the scene.

Credit: Waterville Fire Department