Nicole Niehoff, Jake Millett Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the two people who lost their lives in a devastating fire that tore through an apartment building in Portland, Maine, over the weekend. The Maine Department of Public Safety confirmed the victims as 45-year-old Nicole Niehoff and 40-year-old Jake Millett, both residents of Portland.
According to department spokesperson Shannon Moss, positive identification of the victims is still pending confirmation by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the fire, which has left family members, neighbors, and the community grieving.
The blaze broke out Sunday at a four-unit apartment building located at 43 St. Lawrence Street. Investigators believe the fire originated on a second-story porch at the back of the building before quickly spreading inside. The flames caused heavy damage to the structure and made it difficult for residents to escape. Despite these challenges, several occupants managed to get out safely, thanks in part to safety features that had been installed during previous inspections by city officials.
While investigators continue to search for the exact cause of the fire, authorities have indicated that foul play is not suspected. Instead, the inquiry is focused on identifying the source of ignition and how the fire was able to spread so rapidly through the wooden building.
In a statement, Moss praised the Portland Fire Department for their fast and courageous response, noting that their efforts prevented the fire from spreading to nearby homes and buildings, which could have made the tragedy even worse. “The Office of State Fire Marshal wishes to recognize the members of the Portland Fire Department for their commendable suppression efforts, which prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings,” Moss said.
She also emphasized the role that safety inspections played in helping residents survive. Portland Code Officials had previously reviewed the apartment building, ensuring that measures such as smoke detectors and escape routes were in place. Moss said these improvements “significantly enhanced life safety measures that aided in occupants being able to get out safely.”
Despite these precautions, the fire still claimed the lives of Niehoff and Millett. Both victims were remembered by neighbors as familiar faces in the community, though little information about their personal lives has been released publicly. Their deaths highlight the devastating impact residential fires can have, even in buildings that meet safety requirements.
The Office of State Fire Marshal expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and friends. “The Office of State Fire Marshal extends our sympathies to the families and loved ones affected by this fire,” Moss added.
For the residents who survived, the fire remains a harrowing experience. Witnesses reported seeing flames rapidly engulf parts of the building and thick smoke filling the air. Firefighters battled the blaze under dangerous conditions, working to keep it from spreading while also searching for anyone who may have been trapped inside.
The incident has also renewed awareness about fire safety within Portland. City officials continue to stress the importance of working smoke alarms, exit planning, and fire prevention strategies for multi-unit housing. While investigations into the precise cause are ongoing, officials hope that lessons learned from this fire will reinforce safety measures in similar residential buildings across the city.
As the investigation continues, residents and officials alike are left grappling with the loss of Niehoff and Millett. Their deaths serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly fire can turn deadly, even in well-inspected buildings. The community now turns to mourning and remembrance while investigators work toward understanding exactly what sparked the blaze that brought such tragedy to St. Lawrence Street.
