Amherst Home Over 200 Years Old Damaged By Fire On Sunday

AMHERST, NH - Firefighters from several towns responded to a structure fire on Carriage Road on Sunday afternoon, battling a blaze inside the walls of a home that, according to online tax records, was built in 1795.

The Amherst Police Department was the first to arrive on the scene and found smoke coming from the home's basement. A person was also attempting to control the fire's spread with a garden hose.

The Milford Fire Department arrived shortly after and immediately requested a first-alarm response for additional resources.

Firefighters quickly identified that the fire was burning within an exterior wall. Due to the home's older construction, which allowed the fire and smoke to spread through several hidden openings, crews had to make a large cut on the front of the house to access and extinguish the active flames. Meanwhile, other firefighters entered the home to ensure the fire hadn't spread further.

The fire was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. Crews then used large fans to ventilate the home and remove the smoke.

The Milford, Merrimack, and Hollis fire departments provided mutual aid. The Amherst Police Department and CERT also assisted with traffic control in the area.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news