Public warned to avoid area after police standoff with gunman at burning home in Maine

Police have warned the public in Auburn, Maine to avoid an area where law enforcement entered into a standoff with a gunman at a burning home.

A shelter-in-place order has been lifted, the Lewiston Sun Journal reported.

In a statement to the local paper, police said, “There is no danger to the public.”

“There will continue to be a heavy police and fire presence around the scene. Officials ask the public to avoid the area if possible,” they added.

Fire and rescue crews in addition to police rushed to Russell Avenue in Auburn in western Maine after gunfire was reported, explosions could be heard, and at least two houses went up in flames.

The gunman was reported to be holed up in a garage in the area – it remains unclear if he was alone at the residence.

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