A fire that apparently began when a string of lights set fire to a Christmas tree heavily damaged a Presumpscot Street apartment this morning.

Deputy Fire Chief Michael Schutts said there were no injuries to tenants or firefighters in the blaze at 26 Presumpscot St., reported at 8:55 a.m.

But damage to the top floor of the three-story building was extensive, he said, and the apartment was no longer inhabitable.

Schutts said firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire, but a tenant reported that lights on a Christmas tree began sparking and the tree quickly went up in flames.

By the time firefighters arrived, the flames had spread onto furniture and the apartment was filled with heavy smoke, but the fire was put out quickly, he said.

9:30 a.m.:

PORTLAND -- Firefighters are at 26 Presumpscot St. for an all-hands house fire that was called in shortly before 9 a.m. Early reports indicate that a Christmas tree may have sparked a fire that spread to the room.

A photographer is on his way to the scene. We'll have more for you as the story develops.

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