Reporters across the street at the Daily Press and Argus offices were just putting their papers "to bed" about 2:30 a.m. on January 24, 1908, when they noticed a strange reflection in the windows. They looked out the door and saw the City Hall in flames.

The fire made such rapid headway that only one alarm could be sounded from the City Hall. Rescuers had to go to the power station nearby to sound the second alarm.

The building was destroyed, along with probate records for Cumberland County. The Portland records were saved.