SANFORD – Sanford Fire Marshal Patrick Cotter said the fire that broke out in a commercial building that housed two Main Street businesses early Wednesday was caused by an electrical issue.

Firefighters were called to 789 Main St. at about 3:37 a.m. after a passerby smelled smoke and reported that he saw what looked like a smoke haze through the windows of the building.

The fire started in a storage room located in the back portion of the building that housed Republicash and Thai Sawasdee restaurant.
Sanford Fire Dept. Capt. Brian Watkins said firefighters found fire in the storage room that was extending into the attic space.

A second alarm was called to bring in more manpower — because the building housed a commercial business and because of fire and smoke conditions, said Watkins. He said firefighters had to open the roof and dig out the fire.

Several surrounding fire departments supplied mutual aid.

No one was injured.

Firefighters said fire damage was not heavy but that there was water damage throughout and there are holes where firefighters had to cut into the roof.

According to Sanford property records, the building is owned by Repcash Properties LLC, which has a South Portland address. Repcash Properties LLC purchased the circa 1930 building in 2008. Formerly, it has been a sporting goods store.

Late Thursday, the owners of Thai Sawasdee posted a Facebook note thanking everyone for their support.

“We will come back to see you soon, for sure,” the owners wrote.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.