SANFORD — Local and state fire officials say the cause of the fire that gutted two Island Avenue apartment buildings and damaged three other properties is classified as undetermined  — and will likely remain that way.

That is because of the extensive damage, say State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas and Sanford Fire Marshal Patrick Cotter.

“Given the amount of damage, we’re unable to specifically pinpoint the cause,” said Thomas. He said there is no indiction the fire was anything but accidental.

“Nothing to indicate a suspicious nature,” said Thomas. 

The fire roared through Island Avenue — a narrow street on Sanford’s east side where the houses and apartment building are in close proximity to each other — on Thursday. Many of the dwellings were built in the early 1900s.

Firefighters from 25 departments fought the blaze for several hours. The two multi-family properties gutted — 33 and 35 Island Ave. — were demolished because of their condition Thursday night.

“The indication from the sergeant (Ken Grimes) is that it started on first or second floor porch of  the  exterior area,” at 33 Island  Ave., said Thomas.

The fire displaced several families and there have been a number of neighborhood efforts to assist them, including a donation table that was set up  at the Sanford Farmer’s Market on Saturday, a Go Fund me page and other efforts organized by individuals or groups of friends. As well, the American Red Cross  provided assistance to two families, according to spokeswoman Ann Kim.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.