UNITY — A fire alarm in Unity alerted residents of a two-unit residential building to a fire Tuesday, Sept. 1, according to a Sept. 2, press release from Maine State Police. 

"The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated an early morning fire at a two-unit residential building located at 33 School Street in Unity.

"At approximately 4:00 am, an occupant was awakened by an activated smoke alarm. The occupants were able to safely exit the residence and call 911. Responding fire departments were able to quickly locate and suppress the fire, limiting its spread and preventing more extensive damage to the building," according to the release. 

"The early warning provided by working smoke alarms, combined with the rapid response and suppression efforts of the responding fire departments, played a significant role in limiting the spread of the fire and reducing the overall damage to the structure. Both apartments were affected by the incident; however, no injuries were reported.

"Investigators with the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office examined the scene and determined that the fire originated within the attic area. Several electrical components within the area of origin were examined as part of the investigation. The exact cause of the fire could not be conclusively determined and is currently classified as undetermined.

"The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents of the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms on every level of the home and testing them regularly. This incident demonstrates the critical role early detection can play in providing occupants with time to safely escape and allowing the fire department to be notified before a fire spreads further," the press release concludes.